Suzanne Ballengee (McCloskey) 81, passed on Monday May 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born September 13, 1943 in Newark, NJ, daughter of the late John and Ruth McCloskey (Fisher). Suzanne grew up in Chester / Long Valley NJ graduating from West Morris central High School in 1961 and went on receive her Bachelor’s degree in education from Farleigh Dickinson.

Suzanne taught in public schools in Washington Township NJ, Chester NJ, Hackettstown and Vermont.  She loved working with elementary students and especially enjoyed directing the school plays.

Suzanne married the love of her life on March 15, 1975.  Together they shared 50 beautiful years of marriage and together they raised their beloved twins David and Amy.

Suzanne was a dedicated parishioner at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in long valley NJ.  Suzanne was the definition of the hostess with the mostess. She made sure a guest always had drink in hand and plenty of home cooked foods. She loved making beautiful spreads for guests to enjoy.  She always came prepared with dessert or two or three.   Suzanne always had a festive hat for every occasion with necklaces and other decorations. Suzanne loved to travel with her husband and visit lighthouses around the world.   Suzanne even made a cross country trip with friends in a Volkswagen Beetle.  Suzanne was a proud Irish woman with the temper to match.

Suzanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Suzanne was pre deceased in death by her parents John and Ruth McCloskey, husband only 2.5 months ago David W. Ballengee  and her son in law John Collier.

Suzanne leaves behind her loving children, Son, David Ballengee, and wife Tracy Ballengee, and daughter Amy Ballengee . Along with her precious 4 grandchildren who she was so proud of . Marshall Ballengee, John Collier, James Phillips and Erin Phillips .Suzanne also leaves behind her sister, Barbara Markmann, and husband, Donald Markmann, brother, John McCloskey, and wife Jan McCloskey, and her nieces and nephews, Heidi Healy, DJ Markmann, Mike McCloskey, James McCloskey and Katie Shea.

The viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Our Lady of The Mountain Church, 2 E. Springtown Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853 at 11:00am.  *Please meet at church for the Funeral Mass*.  Burial will be immediately following the Mass at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 85 Pleasant Hill Road, Chester NJ 07930.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/