Carmel Valley – Theresa Britten Brodsley was born on May 20, 1928 in Vancouver, B.C. As a young girl, she moved with her mother to San Francisco and lived there in the late 1940s and early 1950s. She later relocated to Washington, D.C. to work for the Washington Post. During her stay in Washington, D.C., Theresa studied classic guitar under the internationally renowned Sophocles Papas. She also attended The George Washington University.
Shortly after returning to San Francisco in 1957, Theresa moved to Carmel to establish the first guitar shop in the Western United States. She imported much sought-after fine handmade guitars from Germany, Spain and Japan and built a thriving business. During this period, she was also teaching many students the classic guitar. She founded the Carmel Classic Guitar Society, which still exists today, in 1961.
Theresa met Bill Brodsley in 1960 when he was her student. They married in 1963 and had a son, Adam, in 1967. She spent a decade teaching classic guitar at Santa Catalina School. In 1973, they built a house in Carmel Valley which is still their residence. During these years, Theresa went to work at Tularcitos Elementary School in Carmel Valley and spent 10 years working there as a coordinator.
Theresa was also an accomplished artist focused mainly in painting and ceramic sculpture. She was most passionate about the monoprint and monotype work she produced on her etching press. Theresa was a charter gallery member of the Monterey Peninsula Art Association for about 20 years. She was also an avid traveler, exploring the world and always planning her next trip.
Theresa has lived in Carmel and Carmel Valley for 57 years and has been a member of the Baha'i faith for 55 years. She is survived by her husband, Bill Brodsley; son, Adam Brodsley; daughter-in-law, Justine Baum; her granddaughter, Isabella Brodsley and her niece, Inger Brodsley, and nephew, Erik Brodsley.
Graveside services will be held at Monterey City Cemetery this Friday, September 12 at 1:00 p.m. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Theresa's guest book and leave messages for her family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Monterey Herald on Sep. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Theresa Brodsley

Sponsored by Monterey Herald.

17 Entries

Kirk Ras

September 19, 2018

I am sorry for your loss. I would like to get in touch with Adam or Bill but do not have contact information. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Barry Ewing

September 30, 2014

May Theresa behold God's splendors "from the loftiest mount".

September 22, 2014

I feel so blessed to have had Theresa as my first and only classic guitar teacher in the early '60. She was so well organized, started on time, patient, serene and plain lovely. She made me feel so good about each step of progress. Also, loved her work at the gallery and so pleased to sell her work and see the joy her work gave to others. She was indeed a precious pearl in our lives. Milt and Sunee Jines

September 19, 2014

To Bill and Family, condolences for loss of your beautiful lady, with fond memories of guitar playing back in the 1960's at 13th and San Carlos.
Ben and Maureen Richards

Daphne Myers

September 18, 2014

I was sad to read about Tere's death last week while I was attending my 50th class reunion in Carmel. Tere taught me classical guitar lessons in the early 1960's which was always very special to me and my friends. Sincerely,
Daphne Myers ( former student)

September 15, 2014

Dear Bill, we were devastated to hear of Theresa's passing and regret that prior arranged travel out of town precluded us from attending the services this past Friday. As close neighbors we are here for you should you need any support from us. Joy and Larry

September 14, 2014

I moved to Pebble Beach in 1964 as a Stevenson student. Theresa became my first guitar teacher. She had a lovely way about her, and even after discontinuing lessons I continued to drop in and say hello. If memory serves me well, she also attended numerous workshops with Segovia. Wonderful talent and woman. I still play every day.
Leigh.C. Frederick, Pinehurst, NC

September 13, 2014

Bill, We are thinking of you and sharing your grief and loss. We send you our love and total support: Harriette and Dick Schofield

September 13, 2014

Dear Bill,
My thoughts are with you. Such a lovely service and reception were planned for Theresa. Both of you are sorely missed at the gallery.
Noelle Nichols

September 12, 2014

Dear Bill. I am saddened to hear the news about Theresa. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family.
Barbara Simmons. Carmel

Ron Weitzman

September 12, 2014

Dear Bill, Morley and I were very sad yesterday to read of the loss of your dear Theresa. We plan to attend her memorial services today. Please let us know if we may be of help in any way.

With our heartfelt condolences,

cindy thatcher

September 12, 2014

Bill,

We are so sorry to hear the news about Theresa. You have certainly been a wonderful husband and a terrific caregiver for as long as we've known you. I was happy whenever I got a chance to pop in say hello to Theresa. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Loving thoughts surround you. Cindy & Mike Thatcher

September 11, 2014

Dear Brodsley family,
I had the privilege of getting to know Theresa while I volunteered in the office of Tularcitos, where we worked together for about a year. If anyone asked me to think of a word that would describe Theresa, the first word that comes to mind is "classy". She was a class act, a classy lady. Adam, she could not brag enough about you!!!! She was so proud of you, and loved you so. Bill, what a wonderful, sensitive husband and companion you were to her. Enjoy, all of you, the wonderful memories you have of life shared with her.

Warmest regards,
Diane Scholl

Sherry Brient

September 11, 2014

Dear Bill:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Theresa. She was a special
lady, and you two were such a wonderful couple together. My thoughts
are with you.
Fondly, Sherry Brient

Pete Scudder

September 11, 2014

Dear Bill. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Theresa. My heart, thoughts and prayers goes out to you and Adam, as well as your entire family.

God bless you.
Sincerely Pete and Karen Scudder

September 11, 2014

Bill,
We are so sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. She was so very nice and so talented. Our condolences to you and Adam.
Richard and Pam Tette

Diane Garneau

September 11, 2014

Dear Bill and Adam, I am so sorry for the loss of an amazing woman. I always admired Theresa for the way she led life with such grace and dignity. Working with her at Tularcitos gave me the opportunity to be a part of her life. Hearing her tell stories about you both made me feel close. Even visiting your lovely home showed it was an extension of who Theresa was. I am so happy that this summer I got to see her at the French bakery with you Bill and her little dog. She looked as beautiful and classy as always. I will always remember the hug she gave me and smile telling me my cancer journey was going to be alright. I shall treasure that little visit and always remember to try to lead my life with such grace as she did hers. I know she is gone, but never forgotten, for she has touched many lives, including mine. May she soar above us all and keep watch. I send you dear family big hugs.

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