Helen “Honey” Cuddeback

Helen “Honey” Cuddeback, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 2, surrounded by her loving family and just days before her 86th birthday.

The beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Cuddeback, Jr. (d. July 1982), she was the loving mother of Debbie Marchese and her husband Jay, of Wayne, Gail Grozalis and her husband Rich of Skaneateles, NY, and Susan Mosser and her husband Steven of Long Valley.  Known as “Gram”, she was the cherished grandmother of Alysse (Ricky), Shaina, Callista, Danielle, Kayla, Zach and Carleigh, and the adored great-grandmother of Lucas and Mason.  She is also survived by her loving sister Doris Worts (Howard) of Wantage and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ to George and Helen Bock, she graduated from Battin High School in Elizabeth (Class of 1953) before going to Beaver College in Glenside, PA where she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education.  It was at her family’s summer home in Culver Lake, NJ that Honey met her future husband, Tommy Cuddeback, whom she wed in 1958 while he was in the Army.  

After living in several states, Tommy and Honey settled in Packanack Lake where they raised their three beautiful daughters.  Honey loved being part of the Packanack community where she proudly lived for 55 years.  She was an active member of the Packanack Community Church as well as the Leisure Club and Yacht Club.  She was also a Girl Scout leader, softball mom and West Side beach lover.  In later years, Honey discovered the joy of the Wayne Township Pool, sharing many fun times with her friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Honey started her career as a First Grade teacher before dedicating herself to raising her family.  Her special love for children led her back to teaching preschool at the Packanack Cooperative Nursery School.  She enjoyed working there for 29 years where she made a positive impact on countless children and made lifelong friends.

Her three daughters and grandchildren felt that Honey had a better social life than any of them.  Along with frequent visits to the Wayne Public Library for music, movies and senior programs, she also looked forward to her many breakfast and lunch clubs. Honey also cherished her relationships at Culver Lake where she visited often, shared laughs, and caught up with and reminisced with her lifelong friends.  

Honey will be affectionately remembered for being thoughtful, considerate, caring and generous.  Her goodwill extended beyond her family to friends and neighbors near and far as she often provided kind support, conversation and humor.  She was well known for delivering meticulously prepared homemade baked goods to lift spirits.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Packanack Community Church or the Packanack Cooperative Nursery School, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470.