Obituary of Lucita M. Sullivan

Lucita Marie Sullivan, 80, of Hopatcong passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at The Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains after a long and courageous battle with Myasthenia Gravis and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Born in Jersey City, NJ on August 12, 1936 to the late Samuel & Geraldine (Verderosa) Ciresi, Lucita was raised in Harrison and North Arlington, NJ. After graduating from Queen of Peace High School, Lucita landed her first job at Hensler's Brewery in Newark. She married her husband, the late James F. Sullivan III in 1957 and was married for 58 years before Jim's passing. Cita and Jim moved to Hopatcong in 1961. After many years as a supportive stay-at-home mom to her four children, Cita went back to work in the Tax Collector's Office for the Borough of Hopatcong where she was promoted to Tax Collector many years before her retirement in 1998. She was a devout Catholic and fervent parishioner of St. Jude Church in Hopatcong and lived her life accordingly. Cita loved her huge network of family and friends including friends from kindergarten with whom she loved to laugh. She was an excellent cook, relished gatherings with family and friends. She savored Christmastime and making Strufoli (Italian honey balls) with her grandchildren. Cita was an avid gardener and bird watcher who also loved traveling, the beach, reading and listening to a variety music including opera, classical and jazz. Besides her husband, Cita is predeceased by her son, James F. Sullivan IV. Survivors include her beloved children, Mary Beth Wenrich and husband William, Michael D. Sullivan and wife Syeda, and Lisa M. Watrous and husband Richard, 11 adoring grandchildren, Erica Deering and husband Christopher, James F. Sullivan V and wife Alexis, Thomas A. Sullivan and fiancé Patrica, William C. Wenrich, Amy L. Wenrich, Richard S. Watrous, Meaghen L. Watrous, Shane Sullivan, Zachary M. Sullivan, Nicolle M. Watrous and Mia Y. Sullivan, a cherished great grandchild, Ella R. Sullivan, her treasured brothers, Samuel Ciresi and wife Maryanne, Gerald Ciresi and wife Jane, and her dear sister, Mary Ciresi and partner Steve Golfus. Cita is also survived by her loyal in-laws, Paul Sullivan and wife Eileen, and John Sullivan and wife Susan, and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. Lucita's Life Celebration will include visiting on Monday April 17 from 3-7 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday April 18 at 10:00 AM at St. Jude's RC Church in Hopatcong. Lucita will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Center for Hope Hospice. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home or you can donate online at www.cfhh.org, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For further information and to share a fond memory, please visit www.leberlakeside.com.