Younger Sister's Care Saw Woman Through Cancer Battle, Keeps Family Together: Best Of 2025

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Every community has its bright spots — the neighbors, businesses and local favorites that make it feel like home. As 2025 comes to a close, Patch and T-Mobile are recognizing the people, places and moments that made this year brighter in Scotch Plains through our Best of 2025 series.

This story was submitted by Karen Schuster, who nominated Lori Calderone. To share your own Best of 2025 nomination, click here to answer a few questions, and we’ll take it from there.

Who or what are you nominating for Best of 2025?

Lori Calderone

How did this person, place or experience make a difference in your life or community this year?

Lori is my younger sister living her best life and managing (single-handedly) to keep our family together throughout the year for those important dates. That alone makes a huge difference in my life, but her influence doesn't stop there. Lori has consistently checked in with me in person or by phone ever since my pancreatic cancer diagnosis five years ago. When I was in treatment, she visited me when I wasn't getting out much. Now since things are better, Lori has never stopped hosting dinners on the holidays and making sure we all go out to a restaurant for other occasions. I was graciously invited to join her and my niece's family on a cruise this year, which I thoroughly enjoyed. She may not know how much it means to me to be remembered and included, so any recognition you may give her is much appreciated.

What would you like everyone in town to know about your nominee?

(Included in above answer.)

If you could tell them one thing, what would it be?

(Included in answer above.)

What’s something you love most about your town or community?

The thing I love most about the town is its small-town style downtown which is within walking distance.

We want to hear from you, too! Is there a restaurant, a contractor, a business, a person — even a place — that’s your pick for Best of 2025? Click here to answer a few questions, and your story could be featured on Patch.

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