Valerie M. Cusick, 75, of Fair Haven, passed away at home March 22, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born July 22, 1949, in Plainfield, to Victor and Filomena (Tedeschi) Miick. Valerie was a beloved mother, devoted wife, cherished grandmother, aunt, sister and friend who died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.
Valerie was a teacher for the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education and the Little Silver Board of Education, retiring in 2010 after 35 years of service. 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 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, Virginia. She also leaves behind her siblings, Catherine (Eugene) Schwarzenbek of Westfield, Jeffrey (Brita) Miick of Turks and Caicos, Denise Adams (Perry Brownstein) of Davie, Florida, and Deborah (Richie) Chin of Davie, Florida. Additionally, she is survived by 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 carry a piece of her heart and the lessons she instilled in them.
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 they share and the love they continue to give.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, 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 at lunchbreak.org.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the March 20 – 26, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
