Lois Visotcky

Lois J. Visotcky, 87, of Manahawkin, N.J. passed away peacefully at Southern Ocean Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Garfield, NJ, she moved to Manahawkin full time 25 years ago.  She was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard F. Visotcky, former Mayor of Garfield and NJ State Assemblyman; her parents, John and Edith Pantess; her sister, Gale Sherman and her grandson, Brian Visotcky.  Lois is survived by her loving sons, Robert J. and Richard P. Visotcky and his companion, Marjorie Browning; grandchildren, Richard L. and his wife Lexi, Demi, Johnny, Sophia Visotcky and Courtney Rachinsky; great-grandson, Franklin Visotcky;  brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Louis and Delores Visotcky; nieces, Sara Soares and Lou Ann Visotcky and nephew, Louis Visotcky.

Lois graduated from Garfield High School where she was on the twirling team and a host of other activities.  She was active in the Garfield Democratic Women’s Club for many years.  She was an avid swimmer and certified lifeguard early in life. Lois retired from the NJ Racing Commission located at the Meadowlands after a rewarding career.

Her love for the beach and Long Beach Island started when she was a baby shortly after her parents “discovered” LBI during their honeymoon in Ship Bottom. She could often be found wiggling her toes in the sand or spending time at the Barnegat Lighthouse and eating at Kelly’s and Kubel’s. She would call every seagull she saw, “Gus.”

Lois loved to play cards and Scrabble with her family every chance she had.  She was also a “master” at TV Jeopardy which kept her mind sharp. Tennis was always a major part of her life.  Lois used to work at an indoor tennis court and played nearly every day.  She attended the US Open numerous times. When Jeopardy wasn’t on, tennis surely was.

Aside from the birth of all her grandchildren and great-grandson, her other life highlights include meeting Jackie Kennedy at the 1964 DNC Convention, attending the USA Centennial celebration aboard the USS Forrestal with President Ford and Princess Grace of Monaco and being a guest of President Jimmy Carter at the White House during the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

She was a fun loving person who lived for her family and friends.  Her carefree life was prominent in her favorite word, “whatever.”  Lois touched the lives of so many and the world has been a better place because of her kindness and love.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  May God grant her peace and eternal rest.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 4pm to 7pm with a blessing service at 6:30pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.