Theresa Ann Stajek (nee Gaglione), aged 61, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, after bravely battling cancer. Theresa was born in Newark, grew up in South Orange, where she attended and graduated from Columbia High School, and spent the last 15 years of her life in North Arlington.

Theresa began her career as a bookkeeper at Nabisco, where a chance meeting with Jeffrey Stajek, a sheet metal worker onsite, blossomed into a beautiful love story. The two eventually married and built a life together, with Theresa embracing her most cherished role as a mother and homemaker for her husband and children.  

Theresa was a woman who radiated love and warmth, especially toward children, whose innocence and boundless joy she adored. She had a deep affection for animals, particularly her beloved dogs, Buster and Hazel, and her cats, Bruce, Nash and Boots. Her Italian heritage was a source of pride, and her happiest moments were spent in the kitchen, cooking and baking for her family and friends. No one ever left her home hungry, and her care packages were legendary tokens of her generosity. Outside her hospitality from home, Theresa also enjoyed tricky trays and bingo.  Theresa's passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and familial devotion will endure.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffrey Stajek, to whom she was married for 34 years. Theresa also leaves behind her loving children: Tara Bracero and her husband, John; Robert Dlugos and his wife, Olivia; Jeff Jr. and his wife, Jessica; twins Andrew Stajek and his wife, Amanda; Brittany Stajek; and Kaitlyn Stajek & her boyfriend, Michael Hermann. Her six cherished grandchildren—Jon and Vincent Bracero; Robert “Bo” and Van Dlugos; and Chase and Sophia Grace Stajek—will always carry her love in their hearts. Additionally, Theresa is survived by her loving aunt, Rosemarie Ciccarone.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Nazare Memorial Home Inc., 403 Ridge Road, on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers,those wishing to honor Theresa’s memory may donate to the American Cancer Society online by clicking here.  You may express condolences to her family via the tribute wall.