Monique C. Morrison

Monique Caprice Morrison Yacoubou, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, at the age of 54. Born on April 28, 1971, in Newark, Monique exemplified a life well lived and spent her life helping others and bringing laughter and joy to everyone she encountered.

Monique’s journey was marked by extraordinary resilience, love, and joy. She bravely battled pancreatic cancer for over 6.5 years, receiving exceptional care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Throughout it all, she continued to live with purpose, grace, and generosity—never allowing her own struggle to dim the light she so freely gave to others.

Even during treatment, Monique found joy in serving others. As a crossing guard for the South Orange Maplewood School District, she remained committed to caring for children and their families. She often brought small gifts to school for children she saw were in need—quiet, thoughtful acts that spoke volumes. These gestures were not exceptions, but a way of life: Monique lifted others simply by being herself.

Her enormous heart, infectious spirit and humor, and true joy for life made her an extraordinary example of a Christian. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved—brightening your day just by walking into a room or hearing her voice on a call. She was an anchor to many, a confidante, and a joy to walk beside in life.

Monique believed deeply in God and lived as a reflection of His love. She was a an example of the hands and feet of Jesus—offering compassion, presence, and hope to everyone she met. Her faith was lived, not just spoken—visible in every act of kindness and moment of grace she extended.

She had a 28-year career with NJ Transit, joining in December 1994 and retiring in October 2022. As a bus driver, Monique brought genuine connection and cheer to her passengers and met some of her most cherished relationships through those encounters. In September 2023, she started her journey as a crossing guard and continued with her same spirit of love, concern and warmth for those whose walked her way.

Affectionately known as “Mo Money,” Monique lived with passion and purpose. Her legendary sense of humor, generous spirit, and deep loyalty left a mark on all who knew her. Whether sharing a favorite meal, shopping, spending her time with loved ones or offering her time to someone in need, Monique gave freely and fully.

Her greatest pride and deepest love was her only child, Madison Asa Yacoubou, her “Sunshine who makes me happy when skies are grey.” Their bond was unbreakable and full of light.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Tori Yacoubou; her cherished daughter, Madison Yacoubou; her loving parents, Diane and Francis Morrison; her sister, Andrea Morrison; and her wonderful grandmother, Iona Morrison. She is also survived by her aunts, Drenda Morrison and Debra Everett; her uncle, Anthony Everett; her stepdaughter, Freda; her nieces, Sydney, Lauryn, and Kennedy; and her nephew, Joshua. Monique leaves behind a wide circle of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins so many to name, friends, and neighbors—each touched by her generosity and grace.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Theodore and Margaret Everett; her aunts, Patricia Everett, Ernestine Hobly, and Gloria Henry; her uncle, Quitman Kyler; and her cousin, Denise Kirkman.

A memorial service to celebrate Monique’s remarkable life and enduring faith will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Dignity Memorial Funeral Home in Union, NJ. Family and friends are invited to gather in gratitude for a life that overflowed with joy, service, and unshakable faith. Monique will be deeply missed but never forgotten—her spirit, her laughter, and her love will live on in all of us.