Obituary of Susan Mizerek
Susan Parrone Mizerek, aged 52, passed away surrounded by her loved ones at Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. A native of Plainfield, Susan was raised in Iselin before settling in Somerset, where she lived for over 27 years.
Susan graduated from JFK High School and furthered her education at the Cittone Institute, earning a business certificate. She worked at the Hess Toy Truck company's corporate offices, managing human resources until her children started coming along. At that point, Sue changed jobs, this time doing the back office work for the family enterprise, Mizs Landscaping, while she raised her three children.
Sue’s true vocation lay in motherhood; she dedicated her life to her three children, who embodied her joy and purpose. Susan's selflessness and devotion to her children were paramount; she always prioritized their happiness and well-being over any other consideration. Sue loved kids: a renowned baby hog, she was never happier than when she was rocking a child to sleep in her arms. Her arms were always open to her kids, her grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, and their friends who came to her home in Somerset to find fun and a safe haven. Sue was also a loyal friend who showed up in times of need to hold your hand when you really needed it. Her leisure time was often spent at the beach or cherishing moments with her close-knit circle of friends. A lover of music, Susan was particularly fond of hair rock bands from the eighties, counting Bon Jovi and Def Leppard among her favorites. There were many parties at Sue’s house… it was a gathering place for any celebration… family was really important to her.
Sue was also an active volunteer and PTO fundraising co-chair for many years at the Elizabeth Avenue Elementary School in Franklin Township, where two of her children attended school. Her efforts contributed greatly to the purchase of the sign that stands outside of that school today.
Sue is survived by her children Justin Mizerek (Harley), Brielle Mizerek and Matthew Mizerek(Grace); grandchildren Jesse and Amelia Mizerek; parents Paul Parrone Sr. and Carol Parrone; her brother Paul Parrone Jr. (Rebecca) and her sister Marie Estelle LaFaso (Chris); and countless other people who were related as family or friends who always found a warm welcome at her home.
Sue had many challenges in her relatively short life. She faced them with resilience, determined to find the silver lining in the clouds. We will miss our sweet Sue, her brilliant smile, her kindness, her big-hair style, that forehead slap when she heard something that seemed ridiculous, her “side-eye” expression, and her willingness to join in during family game nights, nights out with her girlfriends, kids’ performances, and any occasion where the family was gathering… Sue was there, and we will remember her always.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. Cremation services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in honor of Sue to the National Scleroderma Foundation.
