Teresa Schleh Bruff

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Teresa Schleh Bruff, of Harahan Louisiana, on May 5, 2025. Teresa was a kind, loving and beautiful person both inside and out. She shared with us her joy, humor and good nature every day, punctuated by her infectious laugh and lovely smile.
She met the love of her life and best friend Bradley Bruff in high school, and they were married for the past 26 years. Teresa is also survived by siblings George Schleh (Nancy) and Karoline Schleh (Sean Gerowin). She adored her nieces and nephews Maria and Lysander Schleh (Bi), Hanni and Banks Gerowin, Rachel Bruff Lambuth (Will), Renee Bruff, grandnephew Wulf Schleh and grandniece Olivia Lambuth. Daughter of the late Ingrid and Walter Schleh. Teresa also leaves behind her beloved dog Farley who followed her everywhere.
Following graduation from Riverdale High School, Teresa attended Tulane University where she pursued and completed a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. Teresa had a lifelong love of animals and found this major to be a perfect match for her passion. Her career, however, followed a different path. A superbly organized person with a flair for decor, Teresa started a career in hotel banquet management in Memphis before returning to New Orleans to continue her fulfilling and lengthy career at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Teresa felt blessed to have many lifelong friends that originated from Memphis and the Royal Sonesta.
Before returning to her home in New Orleans, she also had a short career in the movie business and worked on films "Heavyweights" starring Ben Stiller, "A Family Thing" starring Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones and others. Always thoughtful, Teresa made sure to get souvenirs for her nieces and nephews, including an autographed softball from James Earl Jones.
After retiring from a career in hotels Teresa studied and became a jeweler. She started her small business under the TSB label designing and producing hand-crafted pieces in 2008. Her jewelry line reflected her abundant creativity, like her signature ring the Schlehtini that are colorful and dazzling. In recent years she greatly enjoyed being a bench jeweler for GOGO Jewelry. Teresa excelled as an artist and craftsperson with many talents and creative outlets, including seamstress, costume designer, crochet, cross-stitching, and painter. She designed delightful costumes for her nieces and nephews and once collaborated with her father to make an amusing life size sheep. She enjoyed bread and dessert baking too, following a family tradition. Thoroughly steeped in her German heritage, she often participated in Deutsches Haus activities as a third-generation celebrator.
Teresa greatly admired performing artists and at the top were Cyndi Lauper and Cher, singers that she saw live often. The comedic actors Lucille Ball, John Candy and Martin Short always made her laugh no matter what character they played. Life with Teresa had guaranteed daily infusions of comedy, humor and laughter.
Most important though was her dedication to her family and especially her parents. She sacrificed so much, but in loving support, to take care of Ingrids and Walters health and welfare.
We thank her Ochsner health team, Passages Hospice and The Carrollton for their compassionate care of Teresa this last year.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie LA on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11 am and the service will start at 2 pm. Private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Foundation in memory of Teresa Bruff.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
May 17, 2025
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Garden Of Memories
4900 Airline Drive
Metairie, LA 70001
Service
Saturday
May 17, 2025
2:00 PM
Garden of Memories Funeral Home
4900 Airline Drive
Metairie, LA 70001
Cemetery
Garden of Memories To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Teresa, please visit our Tree Store.