Beth Lynn Busch

Beth Lynn Busch, 56, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025. Born in Summit on January 10, 1969, Beth was raised in Warren and carried the spirit of those communities with her wherever she went.
A proud graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School, Beth followed her curiosity and compassion across the country to California, where she continued her studies at Saddleback College and fell in love with the ocean air and light of Laguna Beach. Returning home to New Jersey, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, and later, true to her calling, completed her Master of Social Work at Rutgers University. In between degrees, she devoted herself full-time to the joy and vocation that meant the most to her: being a mother.
Motherhood was Beth's heart. She delighted in raising her daughter, Sienna, and her son, Thomas, filling their childhood with warm rituals and gentle songs at bedtime. "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" and "You Are My Sunshine" became family lullabies, and story time was a nightly promise she never failed to keep. She stenciled their rooms by hand, kept scrapbooks with a circle of friends, and made an art of noticing small wonders so her children would notice them too.
Beth's professional life traced a single bright line: helping people heal. Over the years she served in roles at a battered women's shelter, hospice, a homeless shelter, and detox facilities. Most recently she worked as a counselor through her own practice, Bridges to Healing, where her gift was to meet people in hard places and walk with them toward hope. Those who knew her would say that her counsel was steady, practical, and kind.
Her empathy had deep roots. Beth was a 34-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous whose recovery shaped her daily life. She was faithful to her home group, the 5:30 Summit Group, and she carried the message with humility, gratitude, and service. A breast cancer survivor, she spoke openly about both struggle and grace, and many took strength from her example.
Beth's faith was simple and sincere. A Christian by belief and practice. She cherished nature, especially the shore. Long Beach Island was a happy constant for her and the kids: collecting seashells and sea glass for home projects, grabbing slices at Panzones Pizzeria, and browsing B&B Clothing before heading back to the beach with sandy feet and full hearts. She organized drumming circles with friends, loved music all her life, and in younger years followed the Grateful Dead on tour just for the joy of it. She treasured travel and the outdoors, with an Arizona hiking trip among her favorite adventures. Holidays were her favorite time of year because they gathered everyone she loved into one warm room.
Beth also had a tender, steadfast devotion to her sister Denise, who has special needs. Outings to the movies, getting hair and nails done together, and shopping days were regular dates on Beth's calendar, and their bond was a joy to see. Animals, too, found a champion in Beth. She was predeceased by Scotty, her German Pudelpointer, and is survived by two beloved dogs, Nugget, a cockapoo, and Holly, a German Pudelpointer.
Beth is survived by her children, Sienna Wanic and Thomas Wanic; her siblings, Denise Busch, Garth Busch, and June Busch, her brother-in-law, Fazal Nabbie; and her niece and nephews, Ashley, Jacob, Joshua, and Joseph. She leaves behind a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and people she counseled, all of whom were touched by her generosity, humor, and courage.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ 07069. A private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday.
Beth's life was a long act of kindness. Whether rocking a baby to sleep, making a room beautiful with stenciled stars, answering a late-night call from someone in pain, or family trips to the beach, she chose love every time. The people she helped, and the family she adored, are her lasting legacy.