Theresia “Resi” Brown, many also called her “Omi” born Theresia Buckreus, a beacon of light and joy to all who knew her, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 12, 2024, in Virginia Beach, VA. Born on March 26, 1940, in Austria, to loving parents Aloisia (Mitterbauer) and Franz Buckreus. Theresia’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and the joy of simple pleasures. She touched the lives of many, with her heartwarming smile and her zest for life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Riley Brown, also known as “Rom” and “Opi” and her sisters Katharina Rice and Luise Scholl, and her brother Franz Buckreus.

Theresia’s journey led her to the shores of America, starting in Connecticut and eventually landing in Maryland where she continued to raise her loving family, including her children, John Ladestro and his wife Gwen, Diane Dorfman and her husband Alan, and Andrea Custead and her husband Paul. Her cherished grandchildren, Mellisa Rosario, Heather Remmell, Bryce Hether, Kevin, Tyler, and Aaron Custead, and Kirsten Ladestro and her adored great-grandchildren, Dylan and Andrew Holloway, Gracie and Joslyn Rosario and Corey and Aria Remmell, not to mention the fleet of great-great-grandchildren. Each of these family members added a unique thread to the tapestry of her life, creating a beautiful pattern of memories that will be forever cherished.

Theresia was an industrious woman, working in retail, serving as a nanny, and ultimately finding her greatest fulfillment in the role of a housewife and mother. She poured her soul into creating a warm and welcoming home, where the aroma of her homemade meals often mingled with the sound of laughter, singing and the soft cadence of her storytelling.

Theresia found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life, like tending to her garden and often the gardens of her family and exploring the countryside and bringing a touch of nature into her home with fresh flowers and produce. She danced through life both literally and figuratively. Singing were sources of boundless joy for her, and she was particularly fond of yodeling, an art that harkened back to her Austrian roots.

She would often evoke feelings of joy, sorrow, love, longing, or nostalgia in her creative writing of poems, storytelling and later in life coloring in beautiful illustrations of nature. Her affection for animals was yet another testament to her boundless capacity for love. And, like many, she found a guilty pleasure in the dramatic twists of soap operas and the competitive excitement of “The Price is Right” show, poker, dice poker and playing slot machines. Her love for travel took her on many journeys where she built everlasting memories with her family.

Theresia’s favorite holiday was Christmas. She enjoyed finding the perfect Christmas tree and decorating it with her beautiful ornaments while listening to classic Christmas songs. She especially loved her Dickens Christmas Village display and took immense joy in watching the lighted houses glimmer at night. Her pure delight and enthusiasm of Christmas was a sight to behold and will always remain in the heart of her family.

Theresia was truly one of a kind. Described as loving, funny, and thoughtful. She had a knack for making everyone around her feel special and cared for. Her laughter was contagious, and her thoughtful gestures left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to receive them.

Theresia’s journey on earth was a masterclass in joy, a reminder to cherish every giggle, embrace every passion, and to live life like it’s a never-ending dance. Her legacy is a family tree that stands strong, its branches reaching out to continue her story with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of her trademark yodeling.

Her story does not end here, for her spirit continues to guide us, her laughter still resonates within us, and her love remains forever a part of who we are. Theresia’s life was a beautiful journey, and though she has taken her final bow, the melody of her song lingers on. She often quoted the lyrics below from the famous song “Memory” she felt truly connected to these words.

“Memory, all alone in the moonlight,         

I can smile at the old days, I was beautiful then,

I remember, the time I knew what happiness was,

Let the memory, Live again.”

Rest in peace dear Mom and Omi, until we meet again, save a dance for us.