Teresa Lee 'Terri' Brusco

Sept. 5, 1951 - June 1, 2018

Teresa Lee Brusco passed away in her husband's arms, surrounded by friends and family on June 1, 2018, at the age of 66.

She was born Sept. 5, 1951, in Hood River, Ore., to Chester and Florence "Billie" Wellenbrock. Her early years were spent at the foot of Mt. Adams at logging Camp Draper in Glenwood, Wash. Her father, Chester was tragically killed in a logging accident when Terri was 12 years old. Terri moved with her family to Cathlamet, where she started the sixth grade. She was involved in many activities, including International Order of Rainbow Girls. She graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1969, and attended Central Washington University and Washington State University.

After college she returned to Cathlamet and started her career at the Brusco Organization. She married Roland "Bo" Brusco Jr., on Nov. 11, 1975. For 43 years, Terri and Bo worked side-by-side building a successful marine transportation company.

After two years of marriage on a trip to Spain, Bo, Terri, and her mother-in-law, Cleo, survived the deadliest crash in aviation history in the Canary Islands. One of Terri's best attributes was her inner strength in facing adversity.

Terri was very involved in her community. She was a sustaining member of Longview Junior Service League, as well as volunteered her time and efforts in many other charitable organizations. She had endless energy, and was always first to raise her hand (or paddle) for a good cause.

Terri had a wonderful sense of humor. She had great style, in both the way she dressed as well as the esthetics of her beautiful homes. She was very generous and always planning and doing sweet things for others. Terri was an amazing hostess, and animal whisperer. Her love of animals was legendary; stray dogs and cats knew her address. 'Mama T' also did an amazing job of mentoring young women and men in a variety of life skills.

Terri is survived by her husband, Bo; an uncle, Ron Ward (Marquita); a nephew, Adam Wellenbrock; and two children, David Brusco (Belinda), and Rachele Brusco; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Chester Wellenbrock; her mother, Billie Wellenbrock Mahoney; her father, L.D. Mahoney; a brother, David Wellenbrock; a daughter, Heidi Brusco Cosgrove; two grandsons, Tucker Cosgrove and Cody Cosgrove; and her beloved daughter, Simone "Simi" Brusco.

The family is grateful to the doctors and nurses at Peace Health, the transplant team at the University of Washington Medical Center, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and the Community Home Health & Hospice.

A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 13 at the Longview Community Church. Private interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Cathlamet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632 or the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109, checks may be made payable to SCCA with indication that they are in memory of Teresa Lee Brusco or call 206-606-2070 or 877-308-3117 to make a donation by phone.

Arrangements are by Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory.

- Paid Obituary -