Theresa Mary Grywalski

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Theresa's last wish was to encourage everyone to take part in our country's democratic process and exercise their right to vote.

Theresa Mary Catherine Grywalski of Cedar Grove passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 12. She was 78.

Theresa was born in Detroit, Michigan, where she lived until embarking for Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she earned a master's degree in education. She devoted her personal and professional energy over a long career as a public school teacher to inspiring young minds and encouraging lifelong learning. She was known affectionately as "Ms. G" to countless students at Percy L. Julian High School and Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, and at Chapel Hill High School and East Chapel Hill High School.

Outside of school she contributed to her community through many volunteer roles, formal and informal, including caretaking through hospice and the AIDS care team of Holy Family Catholic Church, encouraging civic participation with You Can Vote, and brightening the days of residents at Salemtowne retirement community in Winston-Salem and Adorable Senior Living in Hillsborough. When not sharing her extraordinary gifts of compassion with others, she was happiest tending her garden, relaxing at Holden Beach or Emerald Isle, or cheering on the Durham Bulls and Chicago Cubs baseball teams.

Theresa was the eldest daughter of Stephanie Elizabeth Grywalski and John Francis Grywalski, and is survived by her sisters Sue and Cindy Grywalski and Peg Callaghan, and her brothers Paul and Phil Grywalski. She leaves behind her beloved husband and partner of 44 years Jack Bly, her children Rebecca Payne and Zack Bly, and grandchildren Dylan Perry, Apollo Payne, and Robin and Clio Mitchell-Bly.

A celebration of Theresa's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Theresa's last wish was to encourage everyone to take part in our country's democratic process and exercise their right to vote.