Zusy Funeral A 'Public Affair'

Update: 5:30 p.m.

A public funeral is planned for Anne Zusy tomorrow, her husband said, prior to a reception at Village Hall for the councilwoman.

Al Ortiz said Monday that services for the late councilwoman, who died June 3 from lung cancer, will include a procession past Village Hall and an interfaith service at West Side Presbyterian Church.

"Although everything is intended for the family and friends, because Annie was a prominent figure in town, we intend a public affair," Ortiz said.

The procession will leave Feeney Funeral Home on Franklin Avenue around 10:30 a.m., drive past Village Hall—with the flag flown at half-staff—and stop at the North Monroe Street church—near her West Ridgewood Avenue home.

Ortiz said Mayor David Pfund along with he and his wife's three children—Alex, Eliza, and Katie—will speak.

Although Rev. Sarah Lammert from the Ridgewood Unitarian Society will lead the service, Jewish, Muslim and Christian readings will occur.

"Annie was born in Egypt, so she had her foot in the three desert religions," Ortiz said.

At the church, the Ridgewood Fire and Police Departments will be represented with honor guards. Sean Daly, a firefighter, will play bagpipes, according to Village Manager Dr. Kenneth Gabbert.

Following the service, light sandwiches, tea, coffee, cold drinks and dessert will be offered at Village Hall, Gabbert said. The Women Gardeners—a group Zusy belong to—will also provide flowers for the reception, which will begin approximately at 12:30 p.m.

The death of the sitting councilwoman last week touch off a showing of tributes from colleagues, friends, family and neighbors. Elected in 2008, Zusy was a 15-year resident with a background in journalism, working for The New York Times and Associated Press.

In Ridgewood, Zusy was active in organizing the Ridgewood Youth Council and served as Federated Home and School Association president for George Washington Middle School prior to running for council.

Zusy's father, Fred—himself a journalist and employee for the CIA—died May 30 at 96.

Visitation for Zusy will occur tonight at the funeral home from 5 to 9 p.m., with the honor guard attending. The funeral tomorrow starts at 11 a.m.