Teresa Mary Henry CSJ

1945 - 2025

Teresa Mary Henry, CSJ
November 25, 1945 - April 11, 2025
Sister Teresa Mary (Geraldine Anne Henry), a Sister of St. Joseph of Chambery, died at the Provincial House, at 27 Park Road in West Hartford, CT, on April 11, 2025. Born in New Britain, CT, on November 25, 1945, of the late Peter Timothy Henry and Mary Frances Rainer Henry, Sister Teresa entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 1, 1963, and celebrated her final Profession of Vows on September 15, 1974. Sister Teresa was 79 years of age and 61 years in Religious Life.
Sister Teresa Mary earned a bachelor's degree in education at Diocesan Sisters College, West Hartford, CT and a master's degree in mathematics from Villanova University, Villanova, PA, thus receiving Connecticut State Certification for both Math and Sciences.
Sister Teresa Mary taught Math at several junior and senior high schools, including St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, CT, and St. Joseph High School, Trumbull, CT. Her energetic missionary spirit further led her to years of teaching at Cathedral High School for Boys in El Paso, TX, where she was the recipient of the Seed Award - Supporter of Education in the Diocese of El Paso, TX. On her return to CT, Sister resumed teaching at St. Joseph High School, Trumbull, and then at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. On retiring, Sister taught ESL at Sienna Learning Center in New Britain.
Sister Teresa Mary's deep love of teaching was evident in her belief that a teacher is one who educates the whole person - mind, heart, and spirit, through experiences, both in and out of the classroom. Her exuberant nature as expressed through her voice and actions exhibited her powerful love of life. She was the ultimate storyteller, gestures and all. She delighted in regaling listeners and always ended her story with a genuine laugh and a broad smile. Often, her stories included memories of being with dear family members, who were always so good to her. Because she was attentive to others, she could always be counted on to assist stranger or friend, whatever the need. Being an avid walker, she rarely spent a day without a hike around her neighborhood, greeting people or stopping by to say hello. Her super exuberant spirit will be missed and remembered by all her Sisters, family and friends. The Community is very grateful to all in the RCH who cared for Sister Theresa Mary with such compassion and tenderness.
Sister Teresa Mary was predeceased by her brothers, Donald P. Henry and Joseph P. Henry, her brother-in-law, Frank Scopellite, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Henry. Sister is survived by her sister, Teresa Scopellite of Arizona, and many loving nieces and nephews, and her dear friend, Sister Thaddeus Rajca, CSFN of Monroe.
Relatives and friends may gather to celebrate Sister Teresa Mary's life on Wednesday, April 16, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Provincial Chapel, 27 Park Road, West Hartford, CT, for a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 am, with calling hours from 9:30 am -10:45 am. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at the Sisters of St. Joseph Cemetery, on Ringgold Street in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a memorial donation to the Sisters of St. Joseph, c/o of Office of Mission Advancement, 650 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111. Fisette-Batzner Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, has care of arrangements.