Clara Zusi

Clairbel G. Zusi Former New Jersey resident Clairbel G. Zusi "Clara" of Myrtle Beach, S.C., formerly of Toms River, N.J., and South Orange, N.J., passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the age of 99. She was born in Newark, N.J., on July 4, 1917, to John and Clairbel Epple. She worked for many years and retired as a head cook at Maplewood Junior High School. She also worked at the Club Navajo in Irvington, NJ, as a waitress.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert A. Zusi, whom she was married to for 58 years prior to his passing. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Keller and her grandson, Victor Graziano.

She is survived by her sister, Helen Styranec; her brother, Harry Epple, his wife, Betty; her son, Gilbert "Gibby," his wife, Gail; her daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Tasker and her husband, Michael "Mickey," and 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Viewing hours will be held Wednesday, April 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Maximilian Kolbe R.C. Church, 130 Saint Maximilian Lane, Toms River.