Obituary of Theresa Rose Brush

Theresa Rose Scalzo Brush, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Bridgewater (MA) holding hands with her loving husband by her side on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

She was born on January 24, 1946, to the late John and Josephine (Cross) Scalzo of Paris, NY. Theresa first worked as a nurse at the Utica State Hospital, before completing her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at Utica College of Syracuse University, then her PhD in Organic Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University. Theresa worked as a research scientist in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in Massachusetts before retiring in 2012, then started a new career as a part-time faculty member in the chemistry department at Bridgewater State University (MA). Known affectionately to her students as “Lady Dr. Brush”, she taught organic chemistry with her husband.

Theresa loved cooking, reading, photography, painting and drawing, sewing, her dogs Angel, Lucky and Pippin, and gardening at her home in Bridgewater (MA). She was a member of the Bridgewater ”Dress a Girl Around the World” sewing group, making sundresses for impoverished girls in places around the globe to bring a little bit of dignity and love to little girls. She participated in the Plymouth (MA) Center for the Arts painting classes and art exhibitions. She was also a regular at First Friday Adoration at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Raynham (MA). Although Theresa had been living in Massachusetts for over 35 years, she and her husband would often visit her family’s beautiful farm on Snowden Hill Road.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years Edward Brush, brothers Joseph Scalzo and John Scalzo and his fiancée Vita Hale, sisters Mary Lofton and Elizabeth Lemming, the invincible and persevering Peg Miller, and predeceased by her dear sister-in-law, Jodi (Miller) Scalzo. Among her many friends is her long-time best friend and “sister” Terry Mack. She had an infectious smile, was the kind of person who would help anyone, and she loved everyone in her extended family dearly, especially her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, their spouses and partners.

All are invited to call on Tuesday, March 12, from 4-7 PM at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton.  Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, March 13 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church on Marvin St. in Clinton, and she will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery. A catered reception will follow at the Spaghetti Kettle in Clinton. Add your condolences to Theresa’s “Tribute Wall” online at owenspavlotrogers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to “Dress a Girl” at the address below. Please write “Terry Brush” on the memo line of your check: Dress a Girl - Bridgewater Chapter, c/o Gloria Moran, Bridgewater United Methodist Church,35 School Street, Bridgewater, MA. 02324.

To RSVP for the reception, hotel info for out-of-town guests, and information on a planned “Celebration of Life” in Paris (NY) in summer 2024, please go to: https://forms.gle/ku7fiFiJn28btMZ79.