Obituary of Mary Theresa Dubbelman

Mary Theresa Dubbelman, aged 96, peacefully passed into the arms of her Savior on March 9, 2025. Her life was deeply rooted in her Christian faith, which guided her through every role she cherished—sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a faithful friend to all she met. Theresa’s devotion to her family was unwavering; she prayed for them daily and was always there for them with her strength, joy, optimism, wisdom, strong worth ethic, perseverance, and resiliency.

In 2021, Theresa moved to Fellowship Village and began her participation with St. James Church (both of Basking Ridge, NJ). From 1964 until then, she had been a vibrant participant in the Cedar Grove, NJ community, including its schools, and St. Catherine of Siena Parish. She served there as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), sharing her faith and leadership with others. During this time, she also served faithfully for many, many years in the Basking Ridge dental practice of her daughter, Dr. Francisca C. Dubbelman-Falcon.

Born on November 5, 1928, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Theresa was one of eight children born to Henricus (Hans) M. Kruitwagen and Anna Maria Cornelia Engelman-Kruitwagen. On June 11, 1953, she married her beloved John F. A. Dubbelman. In 1954, they moved to the United States, where they enjoyed a fulfilling and joyful marriage for 66 years, until John’s passing on November 2, 2019. Throughout their life together, they placed their family at the center of their hearts and made cherished memories with them that included frequent trips to the Netherlands, cruises with Holland America Line, and treasured moments spent at the lake.

Theresa is survived by her brother, Hans Kruitwagen (wife Margaret); her sister, Maja Vermeeren; her children, Francisca Falcon (husband Paul), Peter (wife Brenda), Pamela Carmona (husband Aldo), and Theresa Banas (husband Michael); along with 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Her family invites all to gather and celebrate her life at her Funeral Mass, which will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10AM at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Basking Ridge, NJ. A private interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Theresa’s memory to the Palliative Care Unit at Morristown Medical Center; 100 Madison Ave; NJ 07960; 973-971-7165. Thank you!