Theresa Patriarca Elliott , age 89, of Hedding, New Jersey passed peacefully at home on March 23 ^rd , 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Theresa was born on February 7, 1933, in Florence, NJ to Dolorosa DiAntonio and Fioravante Paris.  Theresa worked at Griffin Pipe in Florence, NJ for over 40 years.  If she wasn't at the foundry, you would find her at the Char-lite Room in Florence, NJ alongside her late husband Reds (Patriarca).   Once retired, Theresa enjoyed traveling and volunteering with her second husband, Linton Jumbo Elliott.    She also devoted much of her time to her second home, the church.  You would most often find her at Holy Assumption Parish, Roebling, NJ surrounded by many friends, volunteering in any way she could to help.  Theresa loved taking care of her grand dogs, Rooney and Bailey and was fondly dubbed the dog-sitter.

Although Theresa had many hobbies throughout her life, the passion she held the closest to her heart was being a grandmother (Gram) to Brian and Valerie and great-grandmother (GiGi) to Liam and Colin.  Having grown up their entire lives, with their grandmother right next-door, the impact that Theresa has had on her family's lives is immeasurable.  Her grandchildren smile when they remember the many trays of Christmas cookies she made every year without fail, the games she'd teach everyone for family card nights, and her insistence on making large meals of the food you liked whenever you stopped by for dinner.  She serenaded her great grandchildren continuously with Italian nursery rhymes and could always be found on the ground next to them playing.

Predeceased by her husbands, Daniel Reds Patriarca, Linton Jumbo Elliott, sisters, Clara Wyatt, Geneva Legnaioli, brother, Joseph Paris

She is survived by her son, Daniel Patriarca (Paula), brother, Frank Paris (Arlene) Granddaughter, Valerie McKiernan (Eamonn), Grandson, Brian Patriarca (Casey), Great Grandchildren, Liam and Colin McKiernan, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from the Paris and Patriarca families.

Theresa was a loving wife, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many.  She didn't say much but when she spoke you listened.  Everything that Theresa said and did was sincere and from the bottom of her heart.

Her memory brings much love and peace to those who knew her.  Her gentle nature and warm smile will remain in our hearts always.

Theresa was adamant about what she wanted (specifically did not want) when she was called home to be with the Lord.  To honor her wishes, Internment will be private and at the convenience of the family.  To honor her, A Celebration of Life, will be held at a later date.

In Mom's words, "Ok, you can have a party, but it needs to be a happy celebration."

Memorial Contributions in the name of Theresa can be made to Samaritan Hospice, www.Samaritannj.org/giving/ .

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes.  Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.  RUMI