Teresa Joan Murphy

Teresa Joan Murphy, age 81, of Ringwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air.

Born in the Bronx, New York, Teresa was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Gillespie) Comack. A devoted member of the Cupsaw Lake community, she carried the values of close-knit neighborhood living with her throughout her life.

Through every season of life, Teresa was the unwavering foundation of her family. Her three children and six grandchildren were her world. She took great pride in her work as a nurse, caring deeply for so many over the years. Her career was more than a profession—it was an extension of her generous heart.

Terry was strong, loyal, and compassionate, with a dash of sarcasm and sass, in the very best way. She could often be found dancing around the kitchen to ABBA while whipping up her famous cheesecake or “Terry’s Pasta.” Her house was always full—prom pictures in the living room, friends crowded around the table, and packed Christmases with homemade cannolis and her rendition of Feliz Navidad. It was bursting with love, laughter, and memories—and will always be home to us.

If you knew her, you knew she loved her garden, a good glass of red wine, and her happy place—Cupsaw Lake, soaking up the sun through the gate to the right.

Teresa is survived by her children, Denise Freitag (Scott), Kristine Snyder (David), and Edward Murphy; her brother, Thomas Comack; and her cherished grandchildren, Dylan Snyder, Emily Freitag, Emma Snyder, Benjamin Freitag, Grace Jurgs, and Liam Jurgs. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Dorothy Firnbach.

Her presence was a gift, and her legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her.

In her memory, pour a glass of red wine, get your hands in the dirt, or simply sit in the sun and let yourself feel peace. That’s how she’d want to be remembered.

Contributions in Teresa’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.