Obituary of Theresa Auchus

Theresa "Terry" Rose Auchus, age 99, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023. Theresa was born on November 6, 1923 in the Bronx, New York to parents Pasquale and Lucia (Panuto) Bafundo and, for a short period, she was raised in Manhattan, New York. When Theresa was just three years old, the Bafundo family relocated to Lodi, New Jersey, a largely Italian community, where she enjoyed childhood with her siblings, Geraldo "Jerry," Joseph, Louise, and Nunzio and later gradated from Lodi High School. Following graduation and various local jobs, Theresa took a six-month position in Florida with Air Associates, where she would meet a fellow New Jerseryite, Alexander "Al" Auchus, who was also temporarily in Florida with the same company. Together, they came back to New Jersey and got married on December 22, 1957. They purchased a home in Totowa, New Jersey and filled it with love and memories for 51 years as a family with their children, Alexander and Richard. A spirited 100% Italian-American, she reveled in listening to Italian songs (Jerry Vale was a favorite), savoring Italian food, and rooting for the Italian athletes every Olympics. She and Al were faithful parishioners at St. James (of the Marches) RC Church in Totowa, where their children attended grade school and where the couple regularly attended weekly mass with their family and daily mass during Al`s retirement. In her spare time, Theresa enjoyed reading and working on crochet projects. She and Al loved spending time with one another - from playing golf to traveling around the world together. They were a great example of a true and enduring partnership, who accepted each other`s quirks and imperfections with love and understanding. When Al`s health declined, Theresa took great pride in making sure he was being cared for appropriately so he was comfortable. Some of her fondest moments came from spending time with her five grandchildren. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, and loving mother, and proud grandmother. Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander F. Auchus; her parents, Pasquale and Lucia Bafundo; her siblings and their spouses, Jerry and Helen Bafundo, Joseph Bafundo, Louise and Savario "Sam" Biasi, and Nunzio and Lena Bafundo. Theresa will be missed by her sons, Dr. Alexander "Alex" (Mirella) Auchus and Dr. Richard "Rich" Auchus; her grandchildren, Isabella, Alexander, Nadia, Gabriella, and Gregory; her three nephews, Anthony, Pat, and Larry; and her former daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Auchus. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa from 10:00 – 11:00 AM with a prayer service at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010.