Obituary of Teresita Casanova

Teresita “Tessie” Casanova, 77, of Manalapan, New Jersey passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Care One at Holmdel. She was born in Pasay City Philippines and had immigrated to the United States in 1971 where she had settled in New Jersey. Tessie was a devoted mother who had a passion for raising her children and teaching them the values of love, kindness, and hard work. She was a beloved Nurse Manager on 3 North at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, dedicated over two decades of her life to caring for others. After working at CentraState Medical Center, Tessie worked as a case manager in the insurance industry before her retirement in 2012.  She was not only known for her professional accomplishments, but also for her unwavering faith as a servant of God. She was a dedicated parishioner at St. Thomas More Church in Manalapan for over 40 years, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. In addition, she was actively involved in various groups such as Mary Queen of Peace prayer group and Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD) and Pasko Sa Nayon. Outside of her work and church commitments, Tessie found joy in growing orchids and caring for her beloved cats. Her kind and compassionate nature touched the lives of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and community.

She is predeceased by her parents, Agustin and Socorro Meneses. Tessie is survived by her loving husband, Redentor G. Casanova of Manalapan; three children, Jennifer Casanova and her husband, Alan Vales of New Providence, Austin Casanova of Piscataway, and Redentor J. Casanova and his wife, Maria of Manalapan; six grandchildren, Kolina, Leilani, Nikko, Alana, Caleb and Joshua; sister, Antonia “Nina” and her husband, Prudencio” Denny” Custodio of Arizona.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Thomas More Church, 186 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. Interment will follow in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com