Lovely lady, you remain in my treasure trove of memories as a light-hearted, positive, strong and accepting woman of enduring dignity. I was called Terry by my Dad thousands of times in my life; you were his beloved little sister. I felt honored that he mixed up our names. Be well, cousins Colleen, Patrick, and Pegeen!

Pegeen, Colleen and Patrick,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was always so kind to me. I loved talking with her about all the recent books she had read. We always seemed to be reading mysteries by the same author. And of course I’ll never forget the annual petit four Christmas delivery. To this day, my favorite dessert. She’s smiling down on you now, happy to be at peace.
Xoxo,
Julie (Carl, Nicholas and Grant)

I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was my kindergarten teacher. All I can remember is the warmth I felt on a strange new day of going to school. She made the day and later the year. The best teacher I had. I remember an assignment we had, yes in kindergarten, was to write a story. We could only scribble lines but she had us tell her what we were writing and she sat down with every kid and wrote the story. What an amazing woman. She will forever be in my heart.

She was my second Mom. She epitomizes grace and strength and acceptance. When she said , “ You have to play the cards you’re dealt”, I knew that was a phrase I’d never forget. It is one That has helped me through tough times, thanks to her. God speed until we meet again !

Mrs. Wright was my Kindergarten teacher and she was such a sweet person.  I would always say hello to her when I saw her even after I graduated. I will miss her

Mrs. Wright was a wonderful, welcoming woman who will be missed. We spent many days gathering at her house and she was always accommodating. From 5th grade through high school and beyond she always had a kind word of encouragement. She will be missed here but Colleen, Patrick and Pegeen will see her again in heaven.

I am so sad to hear of Terry's passing. She was a very, very special person and a kind and caring soul. I loved her. She was a huge part of my life.

Colleen, Patrick and Pegeen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom owns a piece of my heart. She was a very grounding influence and provided for me a place at the table.
May your memories sustain you, may the love of family and friends pull you through.
As always, I hold you all in my heart.

Grandma, I will love you forever and you will always be in my heart and in my mind.


Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

-Mary Elizabeth Frye

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I only have the fondest memories of her!! Such a strong woman. Thinking of you all

What can I say about a woman who dedicated her life to seeing that her children were taken care of. I can't thank her enough for all that she did for me. I can only hope that she knew how much we loved her and hope we returned half of the love and support she provided us. Her life was not easy but she never complained. I got to know her so much better these past 5 years and my appreciation only grew for what she did for us. I love you Mom.

Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal.

Aunt Terry personified "unconditional love" decades before the phrase became a catchword of Hallmark card sentiments. She didn't talk about it, preach it or demand it. She lived it. If you needed a good meal, she cooked it. If you needed a warm bed, she made it. If you needed a drink, she poured it. And if you needed a hug, or even if you didn't , she wrapped you in her stubby embrace and made you turn away so no one could see the light catching the tear in your eye. I loved Aunt Terry like my own mother. In so many ways, she was my mother, the one who just changed the sheets when I wet the bed. No judgement. Just love. Aunt Terry, you'll be glad to know I haven't wet the bed since turning 50. Now don't get me wrong: while Aunt Terry was an unconditional love machine, she also possessed a tart Irish wit and woe the foe who fell victim to her sharp tongue. Aunt Terry, I look forward to hearing a few angels blistered by your withering comments about their shabby raiment from your chair in the celestial kitchen on the other side. We'll sit around the table with Jack and the boys and Betsy and the girls, hearing all the stories you spared us as naive yoots unseasoned in the ways and wiles of the world. And we'll fill you in on a few untold tales of our own. Like where Patrick and I got those bicycles we ditched on our ride to Newton from South Jersey. Or why we sometimes came home from Manhattan with more money in our pockets than was in them when we left. As usual, no judgment. Just love. Just love. Just love...

So sorry to hear of Aunt Terry's passing. Although I never met her, I remember hearing her brother, my Grandpa Bill, speak nicely of his "kid sister Terry." Sending best wishes on behalf of the Mullen brothers.

Aunt Terry was always the brightest candle in the room as I remember her, surrounded by laughter and kids, supporting everyone. When last I spoke to her, she was deeply bereaved at the tragic losses in her life, but still concerned about sharing kindness and courage. When we visited the place in Newton, or a couple times at Dad's or in Boca Raton (dad always referred to Terry and Irene as "the Rich Widows", but I know how deeply he cherished his little sister Terry, and strong, tough Irene.) She will cheer and light what space she enters forever. I will remember her whole family as long as I live. And then beyond. 

I had Mrs. Wright for Kindergarten in 1986-87. At that age, we definitely don't fully appreciate what our early teachers do for us. Having just "taught Kindergarten" to my own five year old for the last few months, I now feel I can more accurately appreciate what an amazing woman she was! I have very fond, albeit distant, memories of morning circle with instruments and her teaching us the Pledge of Allegiance. I am so sorry for your loss, and wish you peace at this challenging time.

First of all, I am terribly sorry for the loss the family must be feeling right now. I had your mom as a kindergarten teacher, and when I read of her passing this morning, it filled me with memories and sadness.  I loved her as a teacher

I also must express my sympathies on the loss of Teddy. My sister, Debby Nystrand also has Down's. She attended school with Teddy, so we were all familiar with him.  He and my sister were friends. 

Your mom's obituary was a double whammy this morning, and I cannot express enough how sorry I am. 

Pat, and Colleen, Pegeen,
    There are no words, just a flood of so many emotions.... I lost my folks 6 months apart, 3 years ago....
     My prayers for your families, a Big Hug from a friend from days gone by.... May the incredible memories, help you smile through the tears....

I remember Aunt Terry from when my family moved to Florida.

Terry was warm and welcoming, she made you feel instantly at home in her presence. At the time, she was taking care of Teddy, he was so sweet, happy to get to work, and always a jokester.

I'd come over to her house, and she'd let me flip through her books about Ireland, and she would tell stories.

Unfortunately my memory is hazy about specifics, but I'll never forget how she made me feel: loved and accepted. At the time, I was 17 just moved to Florida from Washington state and really lost in life. She truly was an angel on earth.

I remember your Mom as such a positive person who sent out wonderful vibes. I'm sorry for your loss.

Terry was the most unselfish person...she cared for everyone and never asked for anything herself...I call Terry 'The Giver'. Love, Charlie

Teresa Wright Obituary

Teresa Mullen “Terry” Wright, formerly of Newton, N.J., passed away on June 6, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19. She was 93 years old. Terry was born in Leonia, N.J., in 1926, to May and William Mullen. The third of four children, she grew up through the Great Depression and developed an astounding ability to make the most of whatever opportunities life presented and to overcome, with the same spirit, whatever challenges life put in her path.

An accomplished musician and scholar, Terry attended Douglass College (then New Jersey College for Women) on full scholarship. In 1949, she married John Ivan “Jack” Wright of Newton, N.J., a World War II veteran who served in North Africa and Southern Italy. She and Jack lived in Newton and had seven children: John Keith, Kevin, Timothy, Colleen, Patrick, Pegeen, and Terence (Ted).

Despite suffering tremendous personal loss, especially seeing four of her sons predecease her and the loss of her husband nearly 50 years ago, Terry maintained strength, generosity and good humor, and continued to work for and support her children in every possible way. Jack’s death after a long and painful struggle with pancreatic cancer left Terry without any insurance policy, savings or pension benefits to fall back on. But she remained a selfless giver in the ensuing years, caring for her mother and two of her sons, Keith and Ted, until their passing. Terry was also a surrogate mother to a legion of her children’s friends and relatives needing a good meal, a warm bed and loving acceptance. Long-time residents of Newton may remember her as a beloved kindergarten teacher of almost 30 years, and devoted caregiver to her son, Ted, who was born with Downs Syndrome. Ted lived with her until his death in 2010. 

As a dedicated public school teacher, she was proud to work with the Newton Education Association to advocate for teacher rights and benefits. She also played an instrumental role in work that led to the extension of health benefits for disabled children.

Terry instilled a tremendous love of music and a passion for learning and social justice in all her children. Colleen, Patrick and Pegeen find solace in knowing that she has returned to the loving arms of “Jack and the boys” and her mother, May Mullen, whom she talked about so often these past few years, and that the profound grief she experienced at their passing is now transformed to comfort and joy.

Terry was predeceased by her husband, Jack (1971) and four sons: Tim (1989), Keith (2004), Ted (2010), and Kevin (2016). She is survived by three children: her daughter, Colleen Wright Lippert (husband Maurice Lippert) of Newton, Patrick Wright (and wife Zoya) of Fort Lee, and Pegeen Wright (and husband Charles Hubbard) of Belmont, Mass., and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Powell (widow of Kevin Wright) of River Edge, N.J. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ivan, Ben and Anna Wright (Kevin & Deborah’s children), Cody and Caley Mikesell (Colleen’s children), Jack Wright (Patrick’s son), and Molly Hubbard (Pegeen’s daughter), and two great grandchildren, Leo and Josephine Wright (children of Jack and Stephanie Wright).

In lieu of flowers, Terry’s children request contributions to the Sussex County Association of Retarded Citizens (SCARC, 11 U.S. Route 206, #100 2032, Augusta, N.J. 07822) in memory of both Terry and her beloved son Ted, who benefited so much from SCARC programs.

In light of the current COVID environment, a memorial event to celebrate the life of Terry Wright will be scheduled at a future date at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home when it’s safe for members of the community to gather. The family will hold a private burial ceremony at the Wright family plot in Branchville Cemetery. Those who want to pay respects now are encouraged to visit her memorial website and leave a comment: https://www.forevermissed.com/teresa-mullen-wright/about