Teresa Garate

Teresa Ehart Garate (nee Ansley), 86, of Audubon, PA, formerly of Wayne and Devon, passed away on December 16, 2021. Beloved wife of John Garate and the late William J. Ehart.  Daughter of the late George A. and Teresa Ansley (nee Martin). Sister of the late Maria Anna Schubert.

Teresa was the dear mother of A. Michele Ehart (deceased) Nicole Ehart, Martine (Stuart) Eisenberg, Denise Ehart, William Ehart and Andrew (Olivia) Ehart. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Noah, Casey (Adam), Jenny, Aidan, Adrienne, Anne, Michael and Liam, and great-granddaughter Ella.

Teresa (Robin) was born in 1934 in West Philadelphia and attended St. Leonard’s Academy. Upon graduation she worked to save enough money to take her mother and sister on a memorable tour of Europe. She then studied education at Drexel University and became a 4th grade teacher at the St. Katherine of Siena parish school. It was as Nicky’s teacher that she met her future husband William J. Ehart, a widower with four small children. They were married in 1960 and Robin loved his children as her own. Tragically, they lost Michele shortly after their marriage. They were blessed with two additional children in 1961 and 1966.

Robin was a kind and patient mother who created a warm home for her children and the nieces and nephews who often visited from next door. It was a happy home full of busy children. It was never quiet, but rather was always filled with love and laughter, and several beloved dogs.

Robin loved to travel and took the family on many trips. She had a special place in her heart for the beach. Every summer was spent at Brigantine Beach. She spent many hours enjoying the view from her balcony and watching the birds in the dunes. She loved to photograph the sunsets there. She especially delighted in watching her children and grandchildren play in the waves. She passed her love of the shore on to her children and grandchildren, who still visit Brigantine regularly.

Robin’s deep faith never wavered. She immersed herself in the activities of St. Katherine’s parish. Her generosity of spirit shone through in all that she did. She was especially committed to the pro-life movement, which she demonstrated by opening her home to a young woman in need of support to continue her pregnancy. Robin always lived by her religious and moral commitments.

Robin was devoted to her friends and extended family. She was a beloved aunt with a special kinship to her nieces and nephews. And Robin loved nothing more than visits from her grandchildren. “Grandmom” was always ready to make hot chocolate and watch a Peanuts movie with them.

Sadly, William J. Ehart passed away in 2002.

Robin married John Garate, a long-time family friend, on Valentine’s Day in 2004. They enjoyed travelling together, including their especially memorable honeymoon in St. Lucia. They shared a wonderful companionship and she enjoyed the opportunity to get to know John’s children and grandchildren. For the last several years, Robin and John had been living in Shannondell, where they enjoyed the relaxing lifestyle and beautiful grounds and made many new friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 9:30 AM at St. Monica Church, 635 First Avenue, Berwyn, PA and to attend her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at St. Monica Cemetery.  A reception to celebrate Robin’s life is being planned for the late spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Terresa's name be made to the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, 88 Pennsylvania Avenue, Oreland, PA 19075.