Betty McCusker

Betty (Schneider) McCusker, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher of young children and friend to all, died peacefully Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Croasdaile Village, in Durham, North Carolina. She was 89.

She lived a wondrous and generous life. Elizabeth Ann (Schneider) McCusker was born March 16, 1937, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the second of 4 children of William Charles Schneider, a Standard Oil engineer from Monroe, LA, and Emily Elizabeth (Williamson) Schneider from Reserve, LA. Betty graduated with a degree in Education from Louisiana State University, and while there met Ed McCusker, the love of her life, who was studying journalism at LSU after serving with the Marines in the Korean War. They married in 1961. His work, first in journalism, then with the airlines and government, took them from their home in Louisiana throughout the country, including a long stint in Denver, CO. Wherever they went, Betty taught kindergarten through third grade, in Catholic and public schools, and she and Ed actively contributed to their local Catholic parishes. They found the best in the people and places and provided a seat at the table for friends and family wherever they lived. They settled in retirement in Fleming Island, Florida. Betty’s gracious generosity and kindness kept shining after Ed’s passing in 2015. As her health needs grew, she moved to Croasdaile Village in North Carolina in 2024. She maintained her cheerful resilient and generous approach to life throughout. The Croasdaile staff loved her immeasurably. Musicians visiting the community were always impressed that she sang all the words to all the songs. As she went to bed each day, she would tell whoever had helped in the process, in typical Betty fashion, “Thank you, and please let me know if you need anything.”

Betty is survived by her brother Bill Schneider (Port Allen, LA), and her first cousin Tim Schneider (Littleton, CO), as well as her nephews Charlie Schneider (Port Allen, LA) and Michael Cotten (Durham, NC), and nieces Stephanie Fiscus (Addis, LA) and Lisa Duffy (Queechee, VT).

Friends and family will gather at Betty’s home parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Fleming Island, Florida, for a Funeral Mass and Celebration and Remembrance on Thursday, October 15 at 11 AM. After the Remembrance, her remains will join Ed’s at the Jacksonville (Florida) National Cemetery.