Veteran Manalapan High School Teacher Dies At 79

MANALAPAN, NJ - A thirty-year veteran educator at Manalapan High School has passed away at the age of 79.

Susan G. Magod of East Brunswick died on July 8 following a short illness, according to an obituary posted by Brunswick Memorial Funeral Home.

The Rowan University graduate taught English and journalism at Manalapan High School for 31 years, earning accolades such as Teacher of the Year. She also served as the faculty advisor to the student newspaper, recognized as the best newspaper in the Freehold Regional High School District.

Magod upheld her love for the written word throughout her life, continuing avid readership and participation in local book review groups upon retirement. She was also an enthusiastic cook, world traveler and practitioner of Tai Chi Kwan, according to the obituary.

Family, friends and students took to social media to share kind words about Magod following news of her passing.

“Thanks to Mrs. Magod’s guidance, I went on to become co-editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper, an associate editor of my college paper, and now a high school journalism teacher myself,” said one former student. “I only sort of cared about English class up to that point and didn’t particularly love essays. But learning from Mrs. Magod how to create news, feature, and opinion stories—and then being given the opportunity to lead my peers—sparked a love of writing, communication, and guiding others that continues to this day.”

“Sue's laugh and smile stay in my memory. Her dedication to students and their meeting their potential never flagged,” another student wrote. “She was dubbed "Momma Magod" by the English department staff and students and she was the best Momma ever. She was the best listener and mentor. I took over Creative Writing and her generosity with help and materials was invaluable. But mostly she was that comforting force that made the day ok.”

Magod is survived by her husband of 57 years, John I. Magod, as well as her daughter Ellen Roszkowski and two grandsons.

According to the obituary, a celebration of Magod’s life will be held later this month with family, friends and well-wishers at her East Brunswick home.