Obituary of Theresa Bruhlmann

Theresa (Terri) Bruhlmann passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 2, 2021. She shared 68 years of love with everyone she met. Terri lived in Denville with her lifetime spouse Judith (Judy) Cabanas. Private arrangements were held under the direction of the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.

Terri was born 10/31/1953 in Elizabeth NJ to Winifred (nee Darmofal) and Maurice Bruhlmann and grew up in Kenilworth NJ. She leaves behind beautiful memories for her spouse, Judy Cabanas, the love of her life, her mother, Winifred Bruhlmann, her sister, Barbara Zehnder and husband Richard, her nieces Laura Jones and husband Andrew, Caralyn Zehnder and husband Will Duncan, and her great niece, Awrenna Duncan. She is preceded in death by her father, Maurice Bruhlmann.
 

Terri earned her Bachelor of Arts in education from the College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State). She earned her Master's in counseling from Keane College, and furthered her education with 60 additional credits.

Terri was an extraordinary special education teacher of language arts and math. She began her career at Skillman Training School for Boys. Terri also taught at Center School in Warren, Central Valley School in Parlin, Raritan Valley Academy in Piscataway, and she retired from Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School on February 1, 2015. Terri inspired so many students to develop an interest in reading and writing. She had a toolbox of math tricks that helped students grasp the subject in order to succeed in school. Terri’s greatest teaching joy was developing the self-esteem of the individual child and seeing them aspire to greater confidence and personal growth.

Fall was her favorite season; she enjoyed seeing the colors and foliage. Being born on Halloween, Terri loved watching children trick-or-treating in their costumes. Their smiles warmed her heart as she offered them choices of candies displayed on a tray.

Terri was loving, warm and generous with a heart of gold. She was devoted to her family, a Sudoku player extraordinaire, and an avid reader. Terri never turned down an offer to play games with her family and friends, and she was the family’s Scrabble champion. Terri loved pedal boating on the lake and enjoying a glass of fine wine with Judy and friends on their deck. They delighted in watching dolphins frolicking and ocean kayaking during their visits to the beaches of Cape May, NJ and Cape Hatteras, NC.

Terri’s family and friends will miss her deeply.

Donations in Terri’s memory may be made to Homeside Hospice, 67 Walnut Ave. Suite 205 Clark, NJ 07066.

Arrangements for a celebration of Terri’s life will be made at a late date.