POMORSKI, Theresa Katherine

Theresa Katherine Rottenbucher Pomorski, the youngest of five children, was born to Peter and Katherine Rottenbucher on July 3, 1948. In 1966, she graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Monroe, Michigan. Terri attended Nazareth College, graduating in 1970 with a double major in English Literature and Education and a minor in Psychology. She then moved to Hawaii where she obtained her master's degree in English Literature in 1972. As a high school English educator in Hawaii, she taught at Roosevelt, Kaimuki, Radford and Kalini before becoming a member of the ppioneering staff at Kaiser High School. Terri had a passion for travel. On her first summer vacation in Europe, Terri split the first month between Germany and England. Being of German ancestry, she delighted in visiting the country and speaking the language. Later, her summer travels took her to Greece and Egypt, areas whose literature she often taught and thoroughly enjoyed. In 1979, together with long time friend, Betty, she opened The Story Hour, first and only children's book shop in Hawaii. The Story Hour was very popular, and parents drove from all parts of Oahu to purchase books. The shop was renowned for hosting autograph parties for children's authors, among them: Madeleine L'Engle, Stephen Kellogg, Peter Spier, Arnold Lobel, Jane Yolan, Paula Danziger, Richard Peck, and Laurence Yep. Months of planning went into these exciting events. Today many island adults fondly remember shopping for their books at this beloved book shop in Manoa Marketplace. In 1990, Terri moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she met her future husband, Berne, while taking square dancing lessons at Shepard Swingers. On April 9, 1993, they married at the court house and invited several square dance couples to join in the dinner celebration. In 1992, Terri was hired at the Deer Valley Middle School, and two years later she joined the high school staff teaching English. Respected by other teachers and students, Terri strived for excellence. She retired early to enjoy life in 2004, and in the spring of 2005, she and Berne traveled to Europe for three weeks, visiting England and France. She especially enjoyed visiting museums in both countries. Terri passed on Sunday, June 3, 2007, at the age of 58. She is survived by her loving husband, Berne, and her siblings, Beth Scarpaci of Mesa, Arizona, Nance Knowles of Monroe, Michigan, Peter Rottenbucher of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and brother, James Rottenbucher Riverview, Michigan and several nieces and nephews. A visitation was held Friday, June 8, 2007, at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Road in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, donations in Terri's name sent directly to the Hospice of the Valley would be appreciated. All are welcomed. Published in The Arizona Republic from 6/8/2007 - 6/10/2007.