Moira Modica

Moira Modica, 85, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away on March 15, 2023. Moira was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised her family in Jefferson, NJ, and happily retired to Little Egg Harbor, NJ where she spent the last 35 years.  She is survived by her five sons: Jacques (Tammy), Bill (Maureen), Pete (Noreen), Ed (Angela), and Chuck (Susan), ten grandchildren; Amanda, Nina (Kyle), Marissa, Ryan, Joelle (Kevin), Dana, Chelsea, Elise, Gianna, and Kyle, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents Leo and Moira Walsh, her brother, Leo Walsh, and the love of her life, Joseph Modica, whom she was blessed to be married to for 30 years.

Moira maintained an active lifestyle in her retirement years. She enjoyed going out on the boat with Joe to fish. She attended Pilates classes and walked several miles a day. An avid reader, she loved spending an afternoon on the deck reading a book. She was also involved in the local community, serving as a member of the Osborne Island Society and held several leadership positions there.

Her true passion in life was teaching -- she spent over 25 years of her life dedicated to teaching underserved children in the Bronx, NY, commuting from Jefferson, NJ every day. Moira began her career as an elementary school teacher and then found her calling as a special education teacher, earning her master’s degree at Seton Hall University. She was a compassionate teacher, who cared deeply about her students, working hard to provide lessons that would serve them well in life. Even after she retired, Moira spent her time volunteering as a member of the Little Egg Harbor Board of Education, something that gave her great joy.

However, her greatest joy was her family. Whenever possible, she cheered on her grandchildren at their school and sporting events, in person and even streaming on-line to watch swim meets.  Moira enjoyed baking and cooking, and always made sure the freezer was stocked with everyone’s favorite chocolate chip cookies. She loved hosting Thanksgiving, when her sons and their families would gather, spending the long weekend laughing, talking, and playing games like Uno, Hearts and Four-Square. Grandma was very competitive and enjoyed being in the middle of all the action!

Not a day went by where Moira didn't talk about how much her children and grandchildren meant to her -- family was arguably her most important achievement in life.

A memorial service will be held on May 20, 2023 from 1-3pm at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Road Little Egg Harbor NJ 08087.