Christine M. Testa, 88, retired math teacher
May 4, 2022
Christine Marie Testa of the Tradition Club, a retired math teacher, died May 4 at her home. She was 88.
The daughter of Edward and Caroline Tenco Caruso, Christine grew up in Newark, N.J. and attended West Side High School, where she was head majorette, lead in the school drama and valedictorian.
She met her future husband, Thomas Testa, at Montclair State College, where she graduated as a mathematics major in 1954.
A former resident of Montclair, Nutley and North Caldwell, N.J., she taught math in the Nutley Public Schools division until retiring in 1994, serving as department head at Franklin Junior High School, and long-time Honor Society sponsor at Nutley High School.
She was a member of the Nutley Education Association, and a lifetime member of the New Jersey Education Association.
She also supported her husband’s leadership roles with the Belleville and Essex County Education Associations. A strong woman of faith, she and her family were parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church in Nutley.
During these years, Mrs. Testa could also be seen in her “first lady” role proudly cheering for Belleville High School and Montclair State football teams coached by her husband.
Summers in Myrtle Beach led to the couple’s retirement to Pawleys Island.
Mrs. Testa was a member of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, where she was active in the Women’s Club, serving as a model at its benefit fashion show.
She was remembered for her kindness, resilience, intellect and love of family. Her fierce commitment to biweekly salon visits, and her nickname “Lightning,” will forever bring smiles to her family.
Mrs. Testa enjoyed travel, fashion, decorating, music and theater.
Mrs. Testa is predeceased by her two parents, her beloved husband, and her sister and lifetime confidante, Marilyn C. Allen.
She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Testa Rye (Kenneth); her sons, Thomas E. Testa (Gelsa) and Edward Testa (Mary); five grandchildren, Kristin Testa, Dana Rye, Gina McGuiness (Paul), Daniel Rye and Nicole Testa; two great-grandchildren, Emersyn and Madisyn McGuinness; and 14 nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were May 13 in Cedar Grove, N.J.
Condolences may be sent at shookscedargrove.com.
Memorials may be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer at fightcolorectalcancer.org.
