Jean Tuzzo, CSJP-A (1932-2023)
Jean Carol Tuzzo was born to Michael and Margaret (Gagliardi) Tuzzo on August 23, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the second child in a family of five that included her brothers Michael and Charles. Jean graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes School and St. Joseph’s Commercial-Academic High School, both located in Brooklyn. And she received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey.
In 1953, Jean entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. During her time as Sister Mary Margaret, she taught at Catholic elementary schools throughout New Jersey. She also taught business subjects, such as stenography and typing, to students at St. James High School in Penns Grove, New Jersey, Madonna High School in Weirton, West Virginia, and Bishop Reilly High School in Queens, New York.
Jean returned to secular life in 1970. She continued to teach at Bishop Reilly High School then took another teaching position at Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, which she held until 1984. Jean approached her students as individuals with distinct needs and tailored her teaching methods to ensure their success. Many of her former Katharine Gibbs students honored her efforts by finding ways to keep in contact with her years after they had graduated.
When the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace initiated an associate program in 1982, Jean was in the first group of seven women who covenanted in the Eastern Region. She was overjoyed to have this opportunity to be intimately involved with the community again. She later said:
Although the word "Associate" is placed after my name, I have never ceased being a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace at heart. I walk the daily journey with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace as we mutually strive to be women of the Gospel. It is a blessing to share the faith, prayers and support of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace as I promote the values of peace and justice in my daily ministry.
Jean’s service was dedicated to the less fortunate. Starting in 1977, she was a eucharistic minister at the Holy Family Church in Queens. In her parish, Jean assisted the elderly with practical matters, such as chores, errands, and transportation. But she also visited the homebound to bring them “the Body of Christ” by sitting, listening, and talking with those who would otherwise have no visitors. They eagerly anticipated her return as she provided them with food for the soul. Like with her teaching, this generosity was born out of Jean’s concern for human beings and the desire to create meaningful change in their lives. It was a gift well shared.
Jean Tuzzo died on April 19, 2023, in a nursing home in New Jersey. She was buried at St. John Cemetery in Queens, New York, on April 26, 2023.