Jacqueline J. Fusek passed away in Redding on Feb. 19.  She  was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on Aug. 9, 1935.  Early in her life her talents and abilities brought her recognition as both a student and musician, earning her positions of leadership and accolades in academics and musical organizations. She moved to Danbury with her family after graduating from Montclair University with her B.A. in Elementary and Secondary Education and immediately became involved as a violinist in the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, performing with them until 2008. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fairfield University some years later.

She was known in the Danbury schools as an educator and a counselor, and as a school psychologist in Westport and Ridgefield. In 1980, she established the Center for Human Development in Danbury, providing private services to families and children.

In 1962, she was named Danbury’s first Miss Danbury, earning the talent award in the Miss Connecticut Pageant, as well as earning a place as a runner-up in that pageant.  

Jacqueline was a member of the Lions Club of Danbury (since 1992) serving as a chairperson of the scholarship committee, a chairperson of Lions Day at the United Nations, and a broadcaster for CRIS radio.  Her other community associations included a seat on the Board of Directors of DATAHR (1965), a member of the Danbury Jr. Service Leagues (1995), and a Director on the Board of the Danbury Music Centre  (1980).

In her senior years, she performed as a violinist with the National Senior Symphony Orchestra serving as President of the Board of Directors for five years.  The National Senior Symphony was the concert of conductor and composer, Victor Norman of New London, with whom she worked in bringing together talented senior musicians for an annual performance in Connecticut.  It brought her great pride in knowing that she performed with personalities such as the trumpet player who played Taps at JFK’s funeral, a cellist who accompanied Frank Sinatra, a violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra, and several orchestral conductors.

At the time of her death, Jacqueline and her husband, Emil J. Fusek, resided in Redding.  An active member of St. Patrick Church, she served as a lector at Sunday masses and co-chairperson of the communications committee.

Jacqueline and Emil – who was the principal of Bethel Middle School – devoted their lives in service to the families of the community.  They were rewarded with the joy of seeing their students become leaders within the fields of education, religious life, music and the professional world.

In addition to her devoted husband of 55 years, Jacqueline is survived by her loving sister, Eleanor B. Gradoia, her six nephews: Jeffrey, Gregory and Stephen Case, and Mark, Michael and Eric Gradoia and their spouses and children. In death, Jacqueline joins her younger sister, Adrienne Case, and her parents Mary and Alexander Witulski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 169 Black Rock Turnpike in Redding.

Donations in memory of Jacqueline J. Fusek may be made to The Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810.