Obituary of Teresa A. Rutledge

Teresa A. Rutledge, 76, of Canastota, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Oneida Health Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Upper Darby, PA, on September 3, 1946, the daughter of the late James Albert, Sr. and Teresa (Tess) M. (McCormick) Rutledge. Teresa was a communicant of St. Agatha’s Church in Canastota. She grew up in Toms River, NJ where she graduated from Toms River High School in 1963. She spent her early adult years working and living in the Boston MA area where she formed many friendships and relationships. She lived life to the fullest, socializing and traveling. In 1998 Teresa left her life in Boston and selflessly moved to Canastota to take care of her ailing parents until their passing. In 2007 at the age of 60, she began her 16 year career at Store America/Mahoney Design & Build in Canastota where she worked full time until her death. At Mahoney’s she was the face of the company. She was the first to greet anyone walking through the door with a smile and an offer of her well known candy basket! She was well known and thought of fondly throughout the village of Canastota where she touched the lives of so many. Teresa was an avid movie goer, loved to read and play Take 5 lottery every week. She was strong, independent, likable and classy. She was a true lover of all animals especially dogs. She never quite got over the loss of her canine companion “Cecil” until she fell in love again with the addition of “Jack” to the Mahoney family of dogs. She never met a dog she didn’t like and always kept a box of treats in her desk for any that happened to visit. Aside from her Mahoney family, she leaves behind her dear friend, Lisa Lavoie of Canastota and her family. She enjoyed spending numerous holidays and celebrations with them and they were blessed to have her as a part of their family. She is survived by three loving brothers, James A. Rutledge of Bethesda, MD, Michael A. Rutledge of Leland, NC, and Peter A. Rutledge of Canastota, five nephews Michael Scott of Syracuse, Samuel D. of Bethesda, MD, John F. Jr. of Nicasio, CA, Chad of Bath, ME and Benjamin Rutledge of Boston, MA, one niece Tessa Adams of E. Falmouth, MA, a cousin Margaret (Peg) Reilly of St. Catharines, Ontario Canada and several great nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by brothers John F. Rutledge in 1996 and infant Patrick in 1957. In keeping with Teresa’s wishes there will be no public services. Burial will take place in St. Agatha’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in Teresa’s name to Wanderers Rest Humane Association, Inc. 7138 Sutherland Dr, Canastota, NY 13032.