Theresa “Terry” Marie Quinn Obituary (1942 - 2022)

Theresa Marie Quinn was born Theresa Marie Vertucci on January 15, 1942 to Tina and Joseph Vertucci in Jersey City. She was the oldest of five children: her twin brother and sister Elaine and Arthur, her brother Cono, and her baby sister, Janice. She was also very close with her cousin Gail, who was always like a sister to her. Terry was always very proud to say that she was like a mother to all of her siblings, and she carried that innate ability to care, nurture, and teach those around her throughout her life. At the age of 17, Terry entered the convent and became a Caldwell Dominican nun in Verona, NJ. Known as Sister Ann Joseph, she started her lifelong career in education, eventually teaching in Jersey City for seven years. She handled classes as large as 66 students at a time and managed to still reach her students under the most impossible of circumstances. This was a gift that lasted throughout her many years in education. As a nun in the 60's, she was also an activist and championed causes around her during a time where social change was imminent. She met Fred, then a priest in Jersey City, who held mass in both Spanish and English and lived in the community with his fellow priests, something that was not commonly done during that time. Fred and Terry met in a coffee line during a protest for low income housing and their relationship grew stronger with time. They shared a lot in common, and both opposed the restrictive positions of the church regarding many controversial issues of the period. They always placed importance on social issues, education, civil rights, and dedicated their lives to helping people in different capacities. After leaving the church, Terry and Fred were married and had 3 children: Martin, Marisa, and Monica. When Monica was a baby, she went back to work as a teacher in Rahway, NJ. She taught first grade for most of her teaching career and teaching was truly her calling. She loved and cared for each student as though they were her own, and even many years later, students talk about her kindness and the impact she had on their lives. She even went back to school with her daughter Marisa to obtain her Master's Degree in Education and Learning several years before her retirement. Though she suffered from Alzheimer's towards the end of her years, her love for children never waned. She loved her grandson Elliot infinitely and loved reading him stories and sending him books as long as she was able. She also loved holding her granddaughter Sofia, and loved to buy her thrift store clothes, books and more books, and anything else she could find. She loved her grandson Ben, and always commented on his nice smile. Her love for her children and grandchildren was evident throughout her entire life- even through her battle with Alzheimer's, she never forgot their names. She passed away peacefully on May 10, with her son, Martin, her daughter, Marisa, and her loving cousin, Gail, at her side. Terry also has many nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues that she leaves behind. She will be missed by so many, but it without question that she impacted not only the lives of her family, but also the lives of so many students who have had the privilege of having been taught by her at some point in their lives. A natural burial will take place at The Rosemont Cemetery, 100 Kingwood Stockton Road, Rosemont, NJ 08556 at 12 NOON on Sunday, May 15, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry's memory to First Friends or the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be left at proutfuneralhome.com.