Obituary of Stella M. Cuzzupe

Stella M. Cuzzupe (nee Marlys), age 97 years of Pennsauken, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 surrounded by her loving family and caregiver, Hilda Olivares

Beloved wife of the late James F. Cuzzupe. Devoted mother of sons James (Donna), Joseph (Eileen), John (Karen), and daughter, Martha Brown (Daniel). Loving grandmother of James (Claire), Jason (Lauren), Sophia, Jesse (Kate), Madelyn, Jacob (Colleen), Kelsey (Andrew), John, Chloe, Daniel (Victoria), Christopher, Alexandra, and Katherine, and great grandmother of Mikaela, Julian, Auggie and Abby. Dear sister of the late Peter, Helen, Penny, and Teddy. Also survived by her brother in law, Joe Cuzzupe (Jean) and many loving nieces and nephews.

Stella was born & raised in Camden, NJ, on September 10, 1927, to Greek immigrant parents Anthony and Christine Marlys. Stella was fluent in Greek & was proud of her heritage and carried the values of hard work, family, and kindness throughout her life. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School where she met many of her lifelong best friends.
  
Stella began her career as an office admin at RCA in Camden, where she was known for her “Jackie O” wardrobe style. Being a sharp dresser would become a lifelong Stella trait.

Stella was an awesome jitterbug dancer & at a Saturday dance is where she met her future husband, James. They married & had a loving 62-year marriage until James passed in 2020. Dad was the love of her life.

Shortly after getting married, Stella found great joy working in admissions at the old Garden State Park, where she loved meeting people and being part of the vibrant atmosphere of horse racing. Her warmth and outgoing nature made her a favorite among colleagues and guests alike. Stella’s “handicapping angle” was playing her kids’ birthdays for Daily Doubles & Trifecta’s. (6-29, 7-28, 3-16). Her workmates loved to be partners with a “Stell” Daily Double or Trifecta.

Later in life, another joy of Stella was Borgata trips with her sisters Helen, Penny & Teddy and later with Barbara and MaryAnn. Their infectious laughs & fun-loving times playing penny machines were some of her happiest moments. 

Her golden years were filled with good times with her growing family & lifelong friends.  Stella & James loved going to their grandkids sporting events & having Sunday dinner with the entire family as it grew through the years.

In 2019, Hilda Olivares came into our parents’ lives as a weekly caregiver. When James passed in 2020 Hilda became Stella’s full-time live-in caregiver and best friend. Hilda’s love, friendship & the care she provided was a Godsend. Na Massa Sonogo became mom’s weekend caregiver for these past 2 years. Na Massa provided loving care, support and friendship. Our Family will be eternally grateful to both.

Stella's legacy of love and devotion to her family & friends will carry on & be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation & Funeral on Wednesday, February 26, from 9:30-11 AM at Christ Our Light Church, 402 Kings Highway in Cherry Hill. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. Final disposition will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan Hospice in Stella's memory to P.O. Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176 or to www.samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/