Theresa Bunce

Theresa Marie Bunce, 53 of Union City, NJ passed away after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. She was born August 31, 1967 in Jersey City, NJ, one of seven daughters of the late Dorothy (nee Bodtmann) and Lawrence Bunce.

Theresa was a loving and devoted mother to her sons who were her heart and soul. Prior to her illness, Theresa was a long time employee of New York Magazine where she enjoyed working in Advertising Sales. She was working there in lower Manhattan during the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01 and, thankfully, was evacuated by ferry. Theresa was sassy, bold and full of spirit with an infectious laugh. She was truly a fighter, especially at the end of her life. Theresa loved her cat, Pumpkin Isabella and her Corgi, Jack, who were her loving companions. She knew how to enjoy the simpler things in life and loved music, especially Bon Jovi.

She is survived by her partner, Mateo Pikunic, her three sons, Michael Portillo, Matthew Portillo and Vincent Pikunic, her sisters: Kathleen Bunce and husband George Pantozzi, Elaine Rac Rafferty and husband Richard Rafferty, Diane Boland and husband Daniel, Michele Cozzi, Anne-Marie Gagliano and husband James, brother in law Essam Aly, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her parents, grandparents, sister, Donna Bunce-Aly and nephew Robert Cozzi Jr.

The family wholeheartedly thanks Theresa’s doctor, Dr. Bhavna Gupta, and her staff for their care and compassion, as well as Dr. Todd Stitik and the staff of Rutgers Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation who brought her tremendous relief over the past several months, VHS of NJ Hospice staff, and the doctors, nurses and aides at Hackensack University Medical Center, Unit 5 Pavilion East who took wonderful care of her and our family in her final days, as well as all of the healthcare professionals who cared for her throughout her journey.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, 6/8/2021 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in memory of Theresa be directed to the American Cancer Society in her honor.