Theresa (Terry) Pepe Rasmussen, 95, formerly of Ansonia, CT, passed away on January 27, 2023, at Mary’s Meadow, Holyoke, MA. She had been a resident of Providence Place there since 2005.
She and her late husband Frank were respected, beloved educators in the Seymour Public Schools for 40 years and were active in the CT Education Association advocating for improved teacher benefits.
Beginning in the 1950s Theresa served as business teacher, department chair and assistant principal at Seymour High School and then as principal of the former Anna Lopresti Elementary School.
She was a class speaker at Ansonia High School (1945) and graduated from the University of CT with a B.S., M.S. and 6th year certificate.
A daughter of the late Pasquale M. and Giovanna Savarese Pepe, she came from a family of five children, three of whom predeceased her: Joan Asprelli, Vincent E. Pepe, and Pasquale A. Pepe. Her husband Frank passed away in 1983. She is survived by her son John of Longmeadow, MA, granddaughters Rae and Zoe R. Williams (Eric) of South Grafton, MA and two great grandchildren Eden and Connor, sister Diana (Daniel) Duarte of Orange, and ten nieces and nephews.
She was a giving and caring person who will always be remembered as one who encouraged and supported her family, friends, teachers, and students. Even now after all these years, former students fondly remember the positive impact she made on their lives.
As a strong woman of courage and fortitude, she held a special place in our family as the matriarch, and we sought and cherished her sage advice. Her love for her family was exhibited in the countless ways she was there to help in difficult times. Theresa and Frank’s home was our family’s gathering place.
Hers was a life well lived.
She was known for her boundless energy and during her retirement she maintained an active lifestyle traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe with family and friends. A private remembrance celebration of Terry’s life will be held for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the CEA/Henry Barnard Fund 21 Oak Street, Floor 5, Hartford, CT 06106 to assist retired teachers in need. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements.
