Carolyn J (Hortsch) Kubik

Carolyn J. (Hortsch) Kubik, of Green Brook, was welcomed into heaven on Monday, October 2, 2023. She bravely fought for months against a series of illnesses so she could observe the marriage of her eldest granddaughter on September 30. Her final gift was to make sure her loving husband attended the wedding in Florida, and her heart was filled with joy after witnessing this celebration online. Carolyn passed away peacefully in her home, on her own terms, surrounded by her loving family, supportive friends, and her faithful dog, Beamer.

She was born in Glen Ridge, NJ and was raised in Middletown, NY, spending the latter years of her childhood in the house that her father had painstakingly built. Carolyn graduated from Middletown High School, where she was the proud President of the Junior Red Cross Club. Inspired to help care for others after the illness of her younger sister, she then pursued a life-long career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Carolyn graduated from Overlook Hospital School of Nursing in Summit, NJ, and spent over 40 years devoted to her profession. She began her career at Overlook Hospital, then served as a private duty nurse, working the 3-11 shift so that she could also help raise her 4 children. Carolyn retired from the profession that she loved in 2008, after working for several years at the Berkeley Heights Convalescent Center in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

Carolyn spent almost her entire adult life as a resident of Green Brook, NJ. During her 57 years in town, she gave back to the community in various ways. She was a volunteer member of the Green Brook Rescue Squad and also ran the Green Brook Recreation Department’s Summer Arts and Crafts program for many years. Despite these noble ventures, Carolyn is probably best known in town for her outstanding baking skills. Every year, she would generously send gifts baked from the heart to her neighbors and local first responders that included holiday cookies, date nut bread, German stollen, and Slovac kolach, 

As a young girl, this natural beauty enjoyed being a tomboy and spent her winters with ice skates strapped to her feet, either playing ice hockey or happily gliding around on the pond behind her neighbor’s home. In addition to her talents as a baker, Carolyn was also skilled at needlepoint, painting, sewing, and crafting, and was an avid collector of dolls and Longaberger baskets. She poured her love into her family (and her many canine companions) and took tremendous pride in her loved one’s accomplishments. Carolyn was deeply loved and will always be remembered for her selfless devotion to others, her subtle humor, and her heartfelt generosity.

On September 26, Carolyn and her husband celebrated 59 years of marriage. Their lives together began with a blind date arranged by friends, and grew into a committed, loving reunion that overcame many challenges. She and her husband also experienced many memorable times as they raised their children, spending time each year on family camping vacations in their pop-up trailer. Later in life, she was blessed with opportunities to take her family to Disney World, and celebrate both her 40th and 50th wedding anniversaries in Hawaii.

Predeceased by her parents Herbert and Jospehine (Emmerson) Hortsch; she is survived by her beloved husband, Milan; loving children: Jeanne Coviello (Jerome) of Chalfont, PA, Michael Kubik of Temple, GA, Christine Lavelle (Robert) of Somerset, NJ, and Stephen Kubik (Victoria) of Green Brook, NJ; caring sisters: Patricia Bohm, of Loudon, TN, and Lynda Miedema (Thomas) of Chambersburg, PA; dear sister-in-law Irene Kubik of Fairfield, CT; cherished Nanny to her grandchildren: Christopher Coviello (fiancée Rachel Santangelo), Aubry Kubik-Blount (Chase), Lauren Kubik, Destinie Mays, Michael Coviello, Matthew Kubik, Noah Wenzel, Gabriel Kubik, Josh Wenzel, Morgan Lavelle, and Trevor Lavelle; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and faithful friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Church, 317 First Street, Dunellen, NJ. Friends and family may gather for visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery, 1621 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, NJ.

Carolyn loved flowers and was deeply grateful for the dedicated and compassionate care that she received at Steeplechase Cancer Center, 30 Rehill Avenue, Suite 2300, Somerville, NJ. Flowers and donations can be sent in her honor as loved ones deem appropriate

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