Obituary for Theresa Ross
Theresa E. Ross (Moshier), 68, passed away at Chilton Memorial Hospital on April 18, 2023, with her husband Bill at her side, holding her hand.
Terry was born on August 7, 1954, in Paterson, NJ, to George and Theresa (Gutleber) Moshier. She attended St. Mary’s Grammar and High School in Paterson, NJ, and De Paul High School in Wayne, NJ, before graduating John F. Kennedy High School also in Paterson, NJ. Terry went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Following a successful freelance copywriting career, Terry joined the Marketing and Public Relations Department of William Paterson University, where her talents as a writer, marketer, interviewer, and editor were well-known. She developed many friendships during her 26-year tenure there, which she continued to treasure after her retirement in 2022.
She was a loving wife, partner, and best friend for 40 years to her husband, William (Bill) Ross, who survives her. She is also survived by her brother Gary Moshier, her nephew James Moshier, and her nieces Meredith Cooper, Vikki Marx, and Sherri Steeger, and by her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Cooper and her husband Gary. Terry was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Suzanne M. Moshier. She and Bill thought of their dogs, Maggie, Lizzie, and Sherlock, not as pets but members of their family. The dogs would always accompany them on their trips to a dog-friendly hotel in Cape May, NJ, or to her parents’ home in Hendersonville, NC, building many lasting, happy memories. Terry and Bill enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in Aruba and promised each other to return someday. It took 35 years, but they were able to keep those promises and enjoy that second honeymoon in 2018. Whether it was while she was walking her dogs or celebrating holidays or special occasions, Terry relished the chance to socialize with her neighbors. Once someone got to know her, that person quickly became her friend for life.
Terry loved her Pompton Lakes home, (which still houses her favorite teddy bears), and even as she battled her illness, she continued to make upgrades to her home and make plans for the future. She enjoyed reading a good book, streaming a favorite program, or watching Randy Rainbow videos, as well as experimenting with new recipes. But a dish she always took the most pride in was the delicious homemade pizza that she made from a prized family recipe.
Diagnosed with an incurable rare blood disease, myelofibrosis, in 2007, she lived an additional 16 years. She battled the disease bravely, and most people would never suspect that she was ill, until the very end. She never gave up. But this terrible disease still took her life much, much too soon. Many times, she assured Bill that she was not afraid of dying because of her belief that life goes on. She made it clear that she wished to be cremated without any service or ceremony but that she wanted to be remembered with a party or a get-together for her family, her friends, and all who knew her.
Terry will have her wish granted with a party in the future on a date to be determined. We can then share stories and memories and celebrate her life. She will not be forgotten.
Terry was born on August 7, 1954, in Paterson, NJ, to George and Theresa (Gutleber) Moshier. She attended St. Mary’s Grammar and High School in Paterson, NJ, and De Paul High School in Wayne, NJ, before graduating John F. Kennedy High School also in Paterson, NJ. Terry went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Following a successful freelance copywriting career, Terry joined the Marketing and Public Relations Department of William Paterson University, where her talents as a writer, marketer, interviewer, and editor were well-known. She developed many friendships during her 26-year tenure there, which she continued to treasure after her retirement in 2022.
She was a loving wife, partner, and best friend for 40 years to her husband, William (Bill) Ross, who survives her. She is also survived by her brother Gary Moshier, her nephew James Moshier, and her nieces Meredith Cooper, Vikki Marx, and Sherri Steeger, and by her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Cooper and her husband Gary. Terry was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Suzanne M. Moshier. She and Bill thought of their dogs, Maggie, Lizzie, and Sherlock, not as pets but members of their family. The dogs would always accompany them on their trips to a dog-friendly hotel in Cape May, NJ, or to her parents’ home in Hendersonville, NC, building many lasting, happy memories. Terry and Bill enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in Aruba and promised each other to return someday. It took 35 years, but they were able to keep those promises and enjoy that second honeymoon in 2018. Whether it was while she was walking her dogs or celebrating holidays or special occasions, Terry relished the chance to socialize with her neighbors. Once someone got to know her, that person quickly became her friend for life.
Terry loved her Pompton Lakes home, (which still houses her favorite teddy bears), and even as she battled her illness, she continued to make upgrades to her home and make plans for the future. She enjoyed reading a good book, streaming a favorite program, or watching Randy Rainbow videos, as well as experimenting with new recipes. But a dish she always took the most pride in was the delicious homemade pizza that she made from a prized family recipe.
Diagnosed with an incurable rare blood disease, myelofibrosis, in 2007, she lived an additional 16 years. She battled the disease bravely, and most people would never suspect that she was ill, until the very end. She never gave up. But this terrible disease still took her life much, much too soon. Many times, she assured Bill that she was not afraid of dying because of her belief that life goes on. She made it clear that she wished to be cremated without any service or ceremony but that she wanted to be remembered with a party or a get-together for her family, her friends, and all who knew her.
Terry will have her wish granted with a party in the future on a date to be determined. We can then share stories and memories and celebrate her life. She will not be forgotten.