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Born in Dover, Danielle grew up in Denville, where she participated in Girl Scouts and volunteered for the Denville Fire Department before graduating from Morris Knolls High School, her obituary says.
Danielle then earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Caldwell College and thrived as a caretaker in various roles. She was a social worker and activities coordinator at the Regency Grande Nursing Center in Dover and at the time of her passing was employed as a paraprofessional at Celebrate the Children.
“She was proud of her work and made a positive impact on many lives with her care and dedication,” reads her obituary. “Her passion for helping and uplifting others is deeply appreciated and will be remembered forever by us all.”
Danielle’s free time was often spent singing along to music, visiting the Jersey Shore with her umbrella-covered chair in hand, or trying her luck at an Atlantic City casino. She embraced her role as a self-described “Cat Lady” but also loved taking her dog, Sarah, for walks and car rides.
“Danielle had an infectious laugh that could bring a smile to anyone’s face, and bright, blue eyes that would shine even brighter when she laughed,” reads her obituary.
Danielle will always be remembered as an incredible daughter to her mother and father, Maureen and Raymond Fusco; sister to her siblings, Matthew Fusco (Jenny Frost), Alicia Henderson (Chris), Justin (Arielle Testa), and Jennifer (Chris Simmons), and aunt to her niece and nephews (Tyler, Nicholas, and Eliana Henderson). She also leaves behind her boyfriend, Dan Gilberti; and many close friends who will cherish her memory forever.
Danielle was predeceased by her grandparents (George and Mary Abline, Ralph and Marjorie Fusco), as well as a sister, Sabrina Renee Fusco, in 1991 at just six years old, her obituary says.
“We take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her grandparents and sister, catching up on all the missed memories and making new ones,” reads her memorial.
Tributes immediately hit social media following Danielle’s tragic passing:
“It is with tremendous sadness, we share the terrible news that our CTC colleague and family member, Danielle Fusco has passed away,” reads a touching tribute from the Celebrate the Children School. “Danielle has been a part of our CTC family for the last four years and she will certainly be missed.”
But Danielle left a post of her own just days before her passing representing her ultimate legacy of selflessness, resilience, and infinite kindness for others:
"I will send out an army
To find You in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching
To reach you in the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you”
Donations were being made in honor of Danielle’s perseverance to The Center for Addiction Recovery Education & Success (CARES) via Inmemof.org.
“Throughout her life, Danielle faced many challenges and hardships that she worked every day to overcome,” reads her obituary. “She faced this battle head-on with endless strength and vulnerability.”
Danielle’s memorial was held at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville on Saturday, June 10.
Click here to view the full obituary of Danielle Lauren Fusco.
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