In Memory

Jeri Cusimano (Lopez)

Jeri Cusimano Lopez was born October 13, 1944.  She was born and raised in South Central LA/Watts and went to Graham Elementary School.  She came to South Gate Junior High in the 7th grade on a permit and didn't know anyone, "...in this new and different world from where I had come."  In a note she wrote to Richard Beard (S'62) on our website after he passed, she said of that time that she didn't dress, look like, talk like, or think like our student body.  Richard was her first friend and the first person to reach out to her, welcome her, and enourage her that she would make friends.  A cute, redhaired girl was the next friendly person and she invited Jeri to meet some of her friends, who became Jeri's friends as well.

Walter Andrade (S'62) was also born and raised in South Central LA and he and Jeri had gone to the same summer camp together, played and sang there before they both came to junior high.  When Walter formed his band in junior high, she was part of it.  It was an incredible experience for her and Walter became a cherished friend.  During our junior and senior years in high school, Jeri was involved in journalism and on the Rambler staff.

After high school, she married and had four children, Rena, Cynthia, Stephani, and Christopher.  Soon after, she became a single parent, raising her children in South Central LA and then in the Projects of East LA.  In time, she worked her way "up the ladder" in both LA County Health, Community Relations and Mental Health Departments and the Title/Real Estate Industries.  Her first job before her daughter Stephani was born was with a LA Country Health Department Free Clinic, where for two years she was a liaison for all of LA's minorities with the LA Board of Supervisors.  Eventually she worked as an administrator for LA County's Mental Health Department.  A manager put her in touch with a manager from the Title Insurance Industry and her job and life changed!  She bought a home in Alhambra in 1981 and her kids went to Alhambra High School.  Then in 1997 she moved to Toluca Lake. Along the way she also worked with Caesar Chavez and community grass roots organizations. 

Jeri loved her work and loved to travel, especially to Rio, where she'd been eight times.  Best of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and was extremely proud of her four children.  She said of them, "They are four of the most talented and successful individuals I know."  Jeri wrote in detail about each of them on her Classmate Profile, so be sure to check it out.  She was blessed with three grandchildren as well.  In 2012 Jeri attended our 50th Reunion and reconnected with friends and especially enjoyed reminiscing with Walter about music.

Tragically, in April 2022 Jeri went into a nursing facility to get strong enough to have a hip replacement that may have been caused by a previous injury to her knee from a fall.  She got an infection and it turned septic.  Sadly, she passed away May 22, 2022.  

Jeri is dearly missed by her loving family:  her daughter Rena, her husband Jack, granddaughter Rowan and grandson Evan; her daughter Cynthia; her daughter Stephani; and her son Chris and granddaughter Winter, as well as many people she worked with and friends.  She had an amazing life.  Rest in peace dear classmate.

 

 



 
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08/15/23 04:35 PM #1    

Sue King (Ross)

I remember Jeri in high school. She was proud of her journalism and worked hard. I did talk to her at one of the reunions and she told me about her life and how hard it had been. She was proud of her children and the work she had been doing.  She thought of others. God will bless her.  Sue Ross


08/15/23 07:49 PM #2    

Cecile Lucki (Lincoln)

Remembering a sweet classmate. Rest in Peace

 

 


08/16/23 05:52 AM #3    

Judy Hanson (Dillard)

Sincere condolences and Prayers for Jeris' family. I was in Journalism class with her and she was a very sweet person.May she Rest in Peace.


08/29/23 12:28 PM #4    

Bonnie Benson (Concialdi)

I remember Jeri, possibly since junior high, and I think we may have either been in the same homeroom or had some classes together. I remember her as being smart, sweet, and quiet, but friendly!  I had no idea of her life outside of school until recently and I am amazed at the strong woman she became and all she overcame.  I was touched at how proud she was of her children...a good Mom for sure!   Jeri was at our 50th Reunion and looked great!  I only briefly talked to her then but now wished I had talked to her more.  We had had a brief encounter on Facebook and our views differed on something I had posted and I wasn't sure I wanted to talk to her then.  But, during the next years when she needed help on the website, I was able to help her and we had quite a few good conversations about family and life and I got to know her better!   So very sad how her life ended too early!  

 

 

 

 

 


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