Beloved Basking Ridge Crossing Guard Mourned By Community

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Basking Ridge community is mourning the death of beloved township crossing guard, Carolyn Masaitis, or Miss Carolyn as she was called by the kids. She died Monday after a long battle with cancer.

"Carolyn, 84, and her husband, George, 86, were fixtures in town, and embraced their jobs as protectors of the town's schoolchildren with passion and love," said a group of Basking Ridge parents.

Basking Ridge parents Pamela Haviland, Sherry Mandel, Davenie Pereira and Karen Feringa all live on Canterbury Way where Masaitis was stationed for 28 years and helped their children cross safely to Liberty Corner School.

They have set up a GoFundMe website for her burial expenses as well as support for George, her loving husband in his time of need.

Prior to serving a as crossing guard, she drove a school bus for Bernards Township. Her husband, George, also served as a crossing guard at Oak Street school until he stopped working to care for his wife of 64 years.

"For every holiday, Carolyn lovingly prepared goody bags for the children with cookies and pencils and stickers. She was a favorite of every neighborhood dog since she kept a constant supply of dog cookies in her pockets. Despite being on a fixed income, she never failed to leave small gifts and birthday cards for the parents (and dogs) that she regarded as her close friends," said the parents.

"Carolyn never forgot to ask how a sick family member was doing and always updated her friends on the weather and neighborhood happenings. Everyone who was blessed to know Miss Carolyn has had their lives enriched by her care and genuine love," continued the parents.

Masaitis is survived by her four adult children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, May 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Valley Memorial Funeral Home, 1012 Valley Road, Gillette and a funeral mass is open to the public on Saturday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul parish, 250 Bebout Avenue, Stirling.

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