05/10/2026
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que nous apprenons la disparition de
Teresa, fidèle au Berlucoquet depuis le premier en 1997 au pied de la galerie Alpina.
In Memory of Teresa Kaufman
September 16, 1953 – October 3, 2026
With deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of Teresa (Terry) Kaufman on October 3, 2026. She is predeceased by her parents, Col. Lee and Belle, and her sister, Jill McPhee. She is survived by her sister, Pat Kaufman (John Stathatos), her niece and nephew, Victoria McPhee and James McPhee, as well as her beloved cats, Mooscat and Tender.
Teresa was born in Texas into a military family and her childhood took her to many different places. Summers spent in France and Switzerland gave her an early love of travel and Europe that stayed with her throughout her life. Eventually her family settled in New Jersey, where she attended Parsippany High School. She went on to study journalism at Syracuse University, beginning a lifelong connection to writing, photography, travel, and storytelling.
More than 40 years ago, Teresa made Chamonix, France, her home. Surrounded by the mountains she loved, she embraced an active life of mountain climbing and hiking and became deeply connected to the community. She also led photo walks in Chamonix, sharing her eye for the beauty of the mountains and the people and places around her. She revered the people who made their living in the farm life of the Alps, making cheese, tending goats and cows and growing vineyards.
Teresa was an accomplished photographer. She authored the book Thérèse et ses Deux Frères, published by La Fontaine de Siloë, a work of images that reflected her love of France and preserved the culture of the Alps. Her photography was featured in several gallery exhibitions. She also wrote more than 55 articles with photographs of her travels with her cats for the British "Your Cat" magazine.
Teresa is remembered for her warmth, individuality, curiosity, and extraordinary sense of humor. Fiercely independent, she lived her life the way she wanted to. She was a wonderful storyteller, with a gift for making even the simplest experience memorable. Some of us were especially lucky to share travels with her, discovering places off the beaten path and authentic experiences, enjoying regional gastronomy, and creating memories that we carry with us.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have known her, to have shared so many memories and so many good laughs with her, and to have been her friends. Teresa will be deeply missed, forever remembered, always in our hearts.
