Obituary of Teresa V. Montross
Teresa V. Montross, affectionately known as “TC” by her friends and family, passed away peacefully at her home in Warren, New Jersey, on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the age of 69 years old. She was surrounded by the love of her devoted family.
Born on January 16, 1956, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to the late Fiore and Teresa Pellegrino, Teresa spent her early years in Plainfield before her family settled in Warren—a place she would call home for the next 60 years, building a life filled with love, service, and lasting memories.
A proud graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School, Teresa met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Clifford Montross. The two were married for 48 years, having just celebrated their anniversary last week—a testament to a lifetime of love, partnership, and unwavering devotion.
After high school, Teresa began her lifelong commitment to caring for others by volunteering with the Warren Rescue Squad. That same selfless spirit led her to pursue a career in nursing. She earned her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and went on to serve the community for over four decades at the former Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights. There, she cared for patients with compassion and dedication while forming deep friendships with her coworkers.
But Teresa’s greatest calling—her truest joy—was being the heart of her home and her family. She was the steady presence at the center of every holiday, birthday, and summer BBQ. Her incredible cooking brought people together, and her warmth made every gathering feel special. Whether it was preparing trays of cookies, hiding lottery tickets under everyone's plates, or decorating the house with fun and flair (especially at Halloween), TC made sure her family and friends felt loved and celebrated.
She was joyful, spunky, and full of life. In later years, she and Cliff became “snowbirds,” spending part of the year in Boynton Beach, Florida. Whether soaking in the sun at the Jersey Shore or floating in the pool, Teresa found peace near the water. She also had a lifelong love for dogs, especially her beloved Shih Tzu, Axel.
Above all else, Teresa’s pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Clifford Montross, and their three sons: Michael Montross; Kenneth Montross and his wife, Laura; and Adam Montross. She was a proud and loving Grammy to her cherished grandchildren, Aidan, Madison, and Hailey, who brought her endless joy.
She is also survived by her siblings: Kathy Bayachek and her husband Nick, Richard Pellegrino, Debby Pellegrino, and Anthony Pellegrino and his wife Mary and many nieces and nephews. Teresa’s deep love for her family, her unwavering presence, and the countless ways she showed up for those she loved will be remembered always.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ. A graveside service and interment will follow on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
Teresa’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was the steady hand, the warm smile, the thoughtful heart, and the irreplaceable soul at the center of it all.
