Marie E. McCaren

Marie E. McCarren, 88, of Toms River, formerly of Scotch Plains, died peacefully on September 19, 2025.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Marie was a proud graduate of Scotch Plains High School, Class of 1955. She went on to earn her degree in education from Trenton State College in 1959.

In 1958, Marie married John Frusco, and together they were blessed with four incredible children. Although their paths eventually parted, her devotion to family gave Marie her greatest joy and purpose in life. A dedicated educator and nurturing mother, she raised her children in Scotch Plains, balancing work and family with strength, grace, and boundless love.

Marie’s adventurous spirit shone brightly through the countless camping trips she took with her family across the country. She cherished her work at St. Bartholomew Academy and, on June 17, 1984, married the love of her life, Patrick. Together they shared more then 40 beautiful years until his passing, and she enjoyed a well-earned retirement beginning in 1997. After moving to Toms River, Marie embraced her love for travel, making annual trips to Puerto Rico and visiting Switzerland, the Caribbean, and many other cherished destinations.

An avid skier, golfer, and tennis player, Marie also enjoyed bunko, bridge, and mahjong. She found joy in the outdoors, tending to her property, and never passed up the chance for a long walk.

What defined Marie most was her role as the matriarch of her family. In the 1980s, she fiercely raised her four children while working, providing, and guiding them with unwavering determination. She taught them resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work, lessons that have echoed through generations. The legacy of her future family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren exists because of the strong foundation she built as a mother who never gave up. Her love, sacrifices, and unshakable spirit are the reason her family thrives today.

Marie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Patrick, her parents, James and Anita Martin, her sister, Joanne, and her son-in-law, Richard.

She is survived by her sister Frances and her devoted children: Robert (Erin), David, Lauren (Guy), and Lynn. She was the proud grandmother of Melissa (Jordan), David, Joey, Taylor (Jessica), Morgan(Phil) Lauren (Charlie), and James (Nicole), and the cherished great-grandmother of Hallie, Leighton, Scarlett, and Hayes. She will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Friday, September 26, 2025 at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:30AM.