In Memoriam: Fair Haven Resident, Longtime Area Teacher, Valerie Cusick, 75

Fair Haven resident Valerie Cusick passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on March 22. She was 75.

Valerie was born in Plainfield to Victor and Filomena (Tedeschi) Miick on July 22, 1949.

She was a teacher for the Manalapan-Englishtown and the Little Silver boards of education, retiring in 2010 after 35 years of service.

“Valerie was a beloved mother, devoted wife, cherished grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who left us peacefully after her courageous battle with cancer.

“She was a guiding light to all who knew her, dedicating her life to teaching and inspiring countless students with her passion for learning and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Valerie’s love of teaching was rekindled during COVID, guiding her grandchildren while they were learning remotely. Valerie was a pillar of strength and generosity, always putting the needs of others before her own.

“Her spirit was contagious, and her love for family and friends knew no bounds. She enjoyed every moment spent dancing and creating joyful memories, reminding us all of the importance of joy and connection.

“Valerie will be remembered not only for her strength and resilience but also for her infectious laughter and radiant smile. She touched the lives of everyone she met, and her spirit will live on in the stories we share and the love we continue to give.”
Loved ones of Valerie Cusick in her obituary

Valerie is survived by: her devoted husband of 47 years, Thomas P. Cusick; her daughter Nicole (Chris) Kenny, of Shrewsbury, and son Sean (Julianne) Cusick of Leesburg, VA; her siblings, Catherine (Eugene) Schwarzenbek, of Westfield, Jeffrey (Brita) Miick, of Turks and Caicos, Denise Adams (Perry Brownstein), of Davie, FL, and Deborah (Richie) Chin, of Davie, FL; in-laws, Kathleen (Charles) Pickler, of Belford, Kevin (Marilyn) Cusick, of Neptune, Laurie (Don) Garrido, of Wall, and Colleen (William) Sehulster, of Fair Haven; her cherished grandchildren, Graham, Luke and Kyle Kenny and Blake and Leah Cusick. “Each of them carries a piece of her heart and the lessons she instilled in them.”

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, March 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m., at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Rd., Fair Haven. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Valerie’s memory to Lunch Break in Red Bank.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home