Constance G. McHugh

Constance “Connie” McHugh (nee Tuzeo), 83, passed away on July 18, 2026. Born in New York City, Connie was the eldest of two children born to Fortunato and Mary (Caponetto) Tuzeo. Connie was raised in the Bronx, where she developed a lifelong love of the New York Yankees. Connie attended Hunter College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish.  Inspired by her love of children and passion for learning, she pursued a career in education, becoming a dedicated teacher. She married the love of her life, John “Buck”, whom she was married to for 61 years.  Together they raised three children in Ringwood, New Jersey. 

Connie also had a passion for real estate. After earning her real estate license, she enthusiastically bought and sold homes in several states, combining her entrepreneurial spirit with her keen eye for finding potential. Connie loved to travel and had a genuine curiosity about different cultures, people, and regions of the country. Her adventurous spirit inspired one of her family's most cherished memories—a six-week RV trip across the United States while all three of her children were still in elementary school. Along the way, they visited countless historic landmarks and created lifelong memories. Ever the dedicated teacher, Connie brought their schoolwork with them and made sure they returned home ahead of their classmates. No one loved this country more than Connie; she was a true patriot and had a deep love for the country. She was the founding member of the Upper Greenwood Lake “Trumpettes”.

Connie spent many years in her “happy” place, Hawaii, where she explored her extremely creative side. Connie wrote music and books, and was an accomplished artist and musician. During her many years in Hawaii, she learned how to hula and make flower leis. Everyone who visited was greeted with a beautiful lei. Family celebrations were never complete without Connie playing her ukulele and singing "Happy Birthday," creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Above all else, Connie's greatest joy was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent countless hours playing, taking them for rides on her pontoon boat, cheering them on at many sporting events, cooking dinner, having sleepovers and pranking “Pop Pop” much to the amusement of the grandchildren.  There was no greater joy for Connie than spending time with them.

Connie is survived by her children, Susan Devlin (Donald), Edward McHugh (Tracie) and Erin Schouten (Eric). Devoted grandmother to Riley Castino, Matthew Devlin (Samantha), Finn McHugh, Derek Schouten, Nicole Devlin, Alexa Schouten and Madden McHugh.  Great grandmother to Tommy Castino, Luke Devlin, Amelia Devlin and Eden Devlin. Dear sister of Joann Jarolmen and aunt to several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband John McHugh and adored parents Fortunato and Mary Tuzeo.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 26 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home,  www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Bologna Church, 112 Erskine Rd. in Ringwood, NJ on Monday, July 27 at 11:00 am.

Entombment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery ,Mahwah,NJ 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, mskcc.org  or Valley Home and Hospice Care, valleyhospitalfoundation.org

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