Laura “Nell” Shannon (Leckey) McCusker, loving wife of James M. McCusker III for 27 years, passed away on January 10, 2021 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 58 years old and a 22-year resident of Deep River.
Nell, and her husband Jim, have owned Best Rates Insurance Group in Westbrook for 20 years. As a local business woman she was involved with driving initiatives that supported women growing their small businesses. Nell was a 20-year member of the Westbrook Elks Lodge and supported many community food drives and local charitable organizations.
Nell was born on June 11, 1962 in Anaheim, CA to Wanda and the late Harold Leckey. She grew up in Syracuse, NY. Besides her husband and mother, Nell is survived by her sister Jillian Wolf (Dan) and brother Robert. She was predeceased by her loving grandmother, Ellen and grandfather George Leckey of Clinton and brother Garret. Nell also leaves behind her mother-in-law Judy McCusker, along with many family members and caring friends. In addition to human family members, Nell was a devoted pet mom and leaves behind her three beloved dogs Papi, Ellie, and Bailey.
Nell was a gentle soul who loved nature. She was an avid gardener and supplied friends and family with the bounty of her summer vegetable garden. Nell enjoyed spending time at the beach; whether it was a late summer afternoon in Westbrook at the Elks Club Beach or escaping the cold of New England with Jim for the Florida beaches. She also loved spontaneous getaways to Vermont with Jim and the dogs where they hiked and enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Mary’s of the Visitation Church, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 E Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 or The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, PO Box 804, Essex, CT 06426.
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