Virginia Johnston Cusick

Cusick, Virginia Johnston
Born March 4, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY to William and Helen Johnston. She died peacefully on February 2, 2012 in Phoenix, AZ. She was raised in Brooklyn and attended Erasmus Hall High School. She graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Education and Child Study. She received her teaching certificate at Arizona State University and substitute taught in the Phoenix area. She also received her Arizona Real Estate license. On July 9, 1949 she married Patrick J. Cusick, Jr. and enjoyed 62 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they lived in Saugus, MA; Medford, MA; Bethesda, MD; Pittsburgh, PA; Litchfield Park, AZ, and West Hartford, CT. She participated in the Smith College Club, League of Women Voters, Parent Teachers Association, and always enjoyed a good game of bridge and tennis. Her favorite summer vacations were spent in Cape Cod, MA and La Jolla and Carlsbad, CA. She and Patrick retired to Phoenix, AZ in 1985. She is survived by Patrick and her 6 children: Jean Brugger (Jack) of Prescott, AZ, Christine Hood (Ronald) of Tempe, AZ, Constance Macedo (Richard) of Manhattan Beach, CA, Patricia Tanabe (Steve) of Scottsdale, AZ, Michael Cusick (Lisa) of Whitefish Bay, WI, and Stephanie Cusick (Gregory Roper) of Seattle, WA. She had seven grandchildren. Always the optimist, in her last days she said, "Enjoy your life no matter what comes along." Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Mortuary Chapel, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85204. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery . Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary.