Obituary of Theresa M Koontz

Theresa Koontz, 69, of Jefferson Twp., passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022. 

Born in Chicago, IL, and raised in Little Falls, Terry was the daughter of Gloria and the late Raymond Freeland. She married Paul E. Koontz, Jr. in 1975 and the couple later moved to Jefferson Twp. where they would raise their children, Paul and Rachel. Terry was a devoted wife, a loving daughter, sister and friend but her favorite role was being a grandma to her two grandchildren. She was an amazing woman with a kind heart who never met a stranger. She was a bright light and a role model to so many and will be remembered for her grace and positivity despite the many obstacles she faced.

In addition to being dedicated to her family, Terry was also dedicated to her community. She was recently named Jefferson Township's Citizen of the Year, an award that recognized her service and dedication that spanned many decades. Terry served on the Jefferson Township Recreation Advisory Board for over 20 years and also served on the Jefferson Youth Soccer Board and Milton Recreation Association board for many years. She volunteered as a soccer and softball coach and organized a weeklong soccer summer camp. She was one of the first Co-directors of Camp Jefferson Summer Camp and held this position until 2020. Terry worked for the Jefferson Township Board of Education for over 20 years where she served many roles, retiring recently as a middle school social studies teacher. She was a Jefferson Township Student Council Advisor and engaged students in volunteering for community events. She was a girl scout leader, a volunteer for the JTHS Athletic Booster Club, and a parishioner of St. Thomas RC Church where was a CCD teacher.

Terry is survived by her son, Paul E. Koontz, III and his wife Katie; her daughter, Rachel; her mother, Gloria; her sisters, Sandy and her husband Regis and Linda and her husband Ray; her brothers, Billy and Mickey and his wife Sharon; her grandchildren, Riley and Bryce; her brothers and sisters in-law; John and Michele, Nancy and Harold, Alan and Maria, and Sandy and Henry; and many nieces and nephews. Terry was also blessed with many amazing friends. She was predeceased by her husband Paul in 1999, her father, Raymond, and her mother in-law and father in-law, Alma and Paul.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 pm on Wednesday, 7/13 at M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 am on Thursday at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church, Oak Ridge. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry's memory can be made to Jefferson Township to fund camp scholarships for children in need.  In the memo line, please write Terry Koontz and mail it to Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.