Sarah (Sally) W. (Kean) Cusack

It is with heavy hearts and in much appreciation of a life well lived the family of Sarah Winnifred Cusack announce her passing. 

The death of Sarah (Sally) W. (Kean) Cusack, wife of the late George Aloysius Cusack, occurred peacefully on September 25, 2021 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on October 12, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Morton and Sarah (Garvin) Kean.

Sally grew up on Newman St. in the North End where she attended St. Peter's parish and graduated from St. Vincent's High School in 1946.  Sally was a life long member of the CWL and a volunteer at the Catholic bookstore for 32 years.    

Sally and George met on a CYO bus trip to Fredericton for a Badminton tournament in 1949 were married on Sept 6, 1953 in St. Peter’s Church.  Small in stature but mighty in her commitment to her faith and family in all aspects of her life, Sally was a devoted wife to George and mother to her 6 children, John, Sara, Christopher, Daniel, Angela & Andrew and their families. 

Sally loved bringing her family together and being a welcoming hostess and coordinator to countless family get-togethers over the years that will forever be in all of our memories.  Whether it was a “small” gathering of 20 or a “good sized crowd” of 50 or more, she knew how to make sure every detail was handled and every person was looked after.  She could be counted on to make “George’s mother’s recipe” for short-bread cookies that sadly none of us have mastered to her skill level.  Sally had many dear life long friends, including her “Bridge Club Girls” who held court every week for over 70 years. 

Nanny made all of her grand-children and great-grand children feel loved and appreciated for their interests and talents.  Nanny chose and gave each of them a special Christmas ornament that reflected their individual personalities.  She was also the Nanny who could fix or make a Hallowe’en costume on short notice or repair or rebuild just about any article of clothing required among other things.   

Sally had a wardrobe that few others could match.  She was always extremely well turned out for any occasion with outfit, hat, purse and shoes coordinating.  Sally was very matter of fact often had words of wisdom for most every occasion.  One of her most profound being “A good coat can hide a multitude of sins”. 

Sally and George had a wonderful life and were able to enjoy winters in Florida in George’s retirement with Sally’s sister Patsy and her husband Walter Peters.  They also traveled on bus trips in Ireland & the UK, as well as the US including the famous and favourite “Turkey Trot” to Bangor every November.  

Sally is survived by her children, Dr. John (Debby) Cusack of Lafayette, Indiana; Sara (David Colwell), Daniel (Debbie) Cusack; Angela Donahue (Jim) and Andrew Cusack (Elizabeth Horgan) of Saint John.  Grandchildren, David (Kelsey), Rebecca (John), George Nicholas, Sarah (Neal), Meghan, Sara Grace, Jennifer (Kevin), Katelyn, Heather, Christine, James (Teagan), Laura, Sadie, Luke and Rose.  Great-Grandchildren, Emmet, Imogen, Emmeline, Kaley, Cohen Daniel, Julianna, Sophia, Oliver; several cousins, nieces and nephews.   

Also survived by Brothers-in-Law, Fr. Paul Cusack (Toronto), Dr. Larry Donovan (Sussex), Sister-in-Law Mary (Cusack) Cool, several cousins, nieces and nephews

Besides her parents, Sally was predeceased by her husband George, son Christopher, and sisters, Mary Russon (Edward) and Patricia (Patsy) (Walter) Peters and Melissa (Don) Riley and dear friend Shirley Butler.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Rd, Saint John (646-2424) with visitation on Tuesday, September 28 from 4 to 7.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Holy Redeemer Parish on Wednesday, Sept 29 at 12:00 PM.  Internment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.  Donations in memory of Sally may be made to Bobby’s Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice. 

Due to COVID-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings, all those 12 and older attending visitation and service will be required to wear masks, show proof of vaccination and a piece of government issued ID.

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