Theresa Breckenridge

THERESA BRECKENRIDGE was born on August 24, 1921 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the daughter of Ida Johnson and William Johnson. Her grandmother Mary Fenwick was a devoted member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church of Ruxton; Mount Washington, Maryland, who lived to be one hundred. She lived by the quote, "...all health is of God." Published in the Afro American Newspaper, magazine edition, Mrs. Fenwick was a well known midwife to families on Falls Road. She attended Baltimore City Public School #161, and County Public schools in Lutherville, MD. She moved from Bare Hills (now known as Mount Washington) community to Kelly Avenue. Bare Hills was one of the oldest Black communities, established by Reverend Aquila Scott, of St. John's of Ruxton. Relative Josephine Fenwick was a legend of the Mt. Washington community and much of her time was spent time with her Aunt Jo, who was a consummate storyteller, and often spoke of long ago events such as a "Corn Boil", which centered on celebratory events including food and the waltz dance. Aunt Jo's house in Mt. Washington was located on Clarks Lane which was near the current MTA light rail bridge. This harkened back to a different time in Baltimore, when Blacks were not allowed at Lake Roland. She had a lengthy marriage to William "Billy" Breckenridge who was a delivery person for an independent drug store in Pimlico. She was employed in a Chinese Restaurant as a cook. She was also a domestic employee. She was the family babysitter to many nieces and nephews. She was also the godmother to Sheila Williams, daughter of Dorothy Williams, while living on Amity Street. Theresa had a great love and devotion for her church, St. Pius V, which merged with St. Peter Claver. She was a devoted member of St. Pius V Roman Catholic Church. She was member of the Lady's Sodality, Knights of St. John, Auxiliary # 219, International. In her participation she often baked and cooked and served the many meals of the fundraisers, like the annual Crab Cake feast. Theresa lived independently on Dolphin Street of McCullough Homes, and prior to that on Carrollton Avenue near Edmondson Avenue. Pokeno and cards were some of her pastimes. Renee Adler, her great-great niece and Theresa were constant companions while on Dolphin Street. Renee Adler was the longtime caretaker and companion, up until 2006, and also with Rebecca Adler, great niece, until 2011. She resided at Britton Woods Nursing Facility for the remainder of her days, grinning and being a pleasant presence to all who came into contact with her. Her joy radiated through her constant smile and kind words. She is at peace and smiling down on us. She leaves to mourn: Earl Crawley, Dorothy Williams, Catherine Helen Carter, Reverend Beverly Crawley, Herbert Williams. the late Lenard Carter Sr., and many relatives including nephews and nieces and a host of friends from every area of her life, including Britton Woods Nursing Facility for the last days of her life.

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Theresa Breckenridge

August 22, 1921 - May 2, 2014