Eileen M. McCusker

Eileen M. McCusker, age 71, of Brigantine passed away peacefully surrounded by family members at home on Sunday January 31st, 2021. Born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Joseph's University with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1971. Eileen was a career educator, impacting the lives of many students over numerous generations. She taught grades K-4 in several parochial schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia before moving to Brigantine in 1973, where she expanded her experience into Atlantic County. It was here, in the seashore paradise she loved and called home, where she began a family with her husband, James. A few of the local schools Eileen taught at were St. Vincent de Paul in Mays Landing, St. James in Ventnor, St. Philip the Apostle School in Brigantine, and The Nursery School at the Community Presbyterian Church in Brigantine. More recently, many may remember her as the smiling face who would greet students, teachers and parents at the front office of Holy Spirit High School in Absecon. Throughout her nearly five decades in education, Eileen's greatest joy was in teaching students to read and write, along with staying in touch and learning about their successes many years after graduation. When Eileen wasn't spending time with her cherished family and friends, one would find her reading on the beach in a blue chair during the summer months. She also enjoyed playing slot machines, walking the Sea Wall in Brigantine, watching the Eagles games, and going to breakfast at the Pirate's Den. Preceded in death by her husband James; parents Thomas and Anne Gartland; and brother-in-law's James and Charles "Chuck". She is survived by her daughter Maryellen (Todor); son James (Adrienne); grandson James Patrick; 2 sisters, Anne and Mary Ellen (Tom); brother Thomas (Kathy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Eileen's Life Celebration on Friday February 5, 2021 from 10 to 10:50AM at St Thomas Church, 331 8th Street South, Brigantine. Memorial Mass will follow at 11AM. Interment will be private. To share your fondest memory of Eileen please visit www.keatesplum.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Eileen's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Family services by Keates-Plum Funeral Home, Brigantine.