Theresa M. Harrington Wendling

Theresa M. Harrington Wendling, age 92 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born at home in South Amboy, NJ, January 26, 1927, daughter of the late Frank and Mary Quinlan Cheeseman, Theresa was raised in South Amboy and had lived in Edison prior to purchasing and moving to her family farm in Pittstown, NJ.

Prior to the family farm, Theresa worked in production for Dupont, Edison, NJ and later in life was a well-regarded waitress at the Spread Eagle Inn, Turntable Junction, Flemington, NJ. She ended her working life in the housekeeping department at Roosevelt Hospital, Edison, NJ.

Theresa was a woman who loved life and the people in it! She loved her family, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were very much the light in her life. She loved to shop, and the term ‘avid shopper’ does not do her memory justice, because she loved to spoil those she loved. Christmas was her favorite time of year as it was an easy excuse to go even more overboard in surprising her family with things that made them smile; what really brought them smiles though, was the time spent together laughing and making memories.

She was an amazing cook which made family gatherings just that much more special. From her famous pierogi casserole, to stuffed peppers, to pork chops, the time around the dining room table was especially important to Theresa and her family. One thing was always certain at those meals besides lots of laugher and smiles: leftovers would be abundant as she would always go overboard in cooking as well. She wanted to ensure everyone had enough.

Attending St. Mary’s Catholic School in South Amboy as a child, Theresa had a strong faith and attended St. Magdalen Church, Flemington, NJ. She was very involved in church life and received much spiritual nourishment from the homebound group in which she participated during the later years of her life.

Enjoying reading, especially history books, Theresa was also a huge racing fan, spending many wonderful evenings at the Flemington Speedway.

Her true character can best be shown by recalling her final years spent in the Manchester Road senior community in Raritan Township, where she was constantly on the lookout for her neighbors, making certain their needs were taken care of and that they had the friendships and care needed as they each navigated the waters of growing older. Her love and care is both a testament to her heart, and and inspiration to all.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary, Roonie, Francis (Buddy), Margie, and Ceil.

Surviving are her two sons and daughters-in-law, Ed and Patti Harrington and Mark and Holly Harrington; five grandchildren, Sara Lampron and her husband, Chris, E.J. Harrington and his wife, Ashley, Amanda Woodling and her husband, Andrew, Nicola Gava and her husband, Westen, and Shannon Harrington; a great grandson, Bryce Tarantino; a great grandson due in November which Theresa was excited to meet and who she now watches over as a Guardian Angel; several nieces, nephews, and extended family; and many dear friends.

Cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, was private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit Theresa’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Quakertown Fire Company in appreciation for the emergency care provided to Theresa over the years. Contributions may be mailed to 67 Quakertown Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867 or donation may be made online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”