Margaret Lusciandrello, born on May 28, 1929, passed away on July 20, 2020, at the age of 91. Born Margaret Helen Dimig in NYC. She moved to Hackensack in 1947. Margaret is predeceased by her husband Andrew Russo of 33 years, and husband Charles Lusciandrello of 30 years. Survived by son John Russo and wife Lisa and her grandsons Jack and Cole; and daughter Laureen and husband David Haight and her grandchildren Christina and Jeffrey, and great grandchildren Lexi and Luke. Survived by sisters Frances Vadala and Alice Cullen. Predeceased by brother Joseph (Sunny) Dimig, sister Helen Mehal, and Thomas Cullen. Margaret is survived by many loving nieces and nephews across the U.S.
In a short phrase, Margaret (Aka “Oma”) loved life, people, and had many interests. She worked several jobs including management at Redi-Forms Office Prods. and Hackensack Radiology, each for 11 happy years. Her greatest joy was her family and her many friends and she was proud of all her children who always brought her much happiness. She was always ready with a good story to tell with humor and wit, and in recent months loved to be read to. Her zest for life made her a world traveler, amateur painter, avid fisherwoman, seeker of dragonflies, and bird watching. One bird in particular is her parakeet “Mr. Chips,” who she taught many words and song phrases, and who was her buddy and daily entertainment. Dragonflies symbolize adaptability and to remind us to live life to the fullest. That was Oma! And anyone who met Margaret respected her because she was interested in what people had to say and share, and one felt at ease in her company because of her goodness of heart and her grace. Margaret had a very tough childhood but became one of those survivors you read about in magazines, the ones who inspire you. Her family dubbed her “the cat with 19 lives,” because she surpassed “nine lives” long ago with all her health battles but still remained positive, hopeful and concentrated on looking forward to happier times ahead. To live to 91 is truly a testament to Margaret’s fortitude and courage when making difficult choices. For 6 years her doctors and nurses at JTCC, Hackensack, not only provided exceptional medical care, but were truly devoted to easing their patients’ burdens that cancer causes and Margaret was grateful at every visit. Oma had special caretakers at home starting with Kiera, and then ending with Celeste Paull who brightened her days for 4 years with laughter, positive energy and was more like a daughter Oma said. Our gratitude is immense for all these caring people who helped Oma live many happy years. Margaret was everyone’s friend and will be remembered with love and kindness. She will truly be missed and never forgotten, and the world was sweeter with her presence.
Visitation is on Friday, July 24, 10am – 12pm, with prayer service beginning at 12 noon at Boulevard Funeral Home, 1151 River Road, New Milford, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, directed to Dr. Martin Gutierrez for cancer research. To leave online condolences please visit www.boulevardfuneralhome.com
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