Maria Elena Caruso

Maria Elena (McLaughlin) Caruso, RN, 81, of Stafford Township, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, Maria graduated from New York’s Misericordia School of Nursing in 1962. With a passion to care for others, for the next 45 years Maria worked as a registered nurse in numerous areas of her vocation, eventually working at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona, NJ prior to retiring in 2007. Upon retirement she became the full-time caregiver to her sister, Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Doyle until her passing in 2019.

The simple pleasures in life brought great joy to Maria. A devoted mother, loving sister, gentle caregiver, and loyal friend, she loved time spent with family. She enjoyed walking the beaches of Long Beach Island with her daughter, Sara, and found beauty in the natural world that surrounded her. Her sense of humor was quick and her laughter contagious.

Maria is survived by her children, Sara Caruso, and son, Paul Trudeau, her sister, Dorothy (McLaughlin) Tolan and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph McLaughlin, and Angelina (Rullo) McLaughlin, and sister Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Doyle.

The arrangements were handled by the Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Maria for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com