Remembering Justine Sgarella: A Heartfelt Farewell to a Beautiful Soul from Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ — With heavy hearts, friends, classmates, and loved ones are remembering Justine R. Sgarella, a young woman known for her warmth, authenticity, and quiet strength. Justine passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2022, at the age of 29, leaving behind a profound void in the lives of all who knew her.

Born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, Justine was a proud alumna of Paramus Catholic High School, where her bright personality and sense of humor left a lasting impression. She went on to pursue her education at Eastwick Hohokus College, diving into the culinary arts — a field that allowed her to share her creativity and care for others in the most delicious ways.

A Legacy of Friendship, Laughter, and Long Conversations

Though life may have taken everyone in different directions, those close to Justine never lost touch. One close friend recalled:

“Reading through our old messages hits different… bittersweet tears . I love you and miss you more than words. We didn’t hang out often, but we always made time to check in. Our convos would go on for daysss. If only I could make one phone call to heaven… ”

These heartfelt words capture the enduring impact Justine had. She was the kind of person who made even the smallest interaction feel significant. She brought comfort and authenticity into every space — and to those who loved her, her absence now feels overwhelming.

Holding Her Close, Even Now

For those who believe in something beyond this life, there’s a quiet peace in imagining Justine reunited with others who’ve passed — including a beloved niece. As her friend wrote:

“I know you’ve got her with you, because your heart was so real and pure. I’ve just been feeling so sad lately.”

This message, shared in mourning, is also a testament to the strength of the love that surrounds Justine in memory.

A Community in Mourning

Justine’s passing deeply affected the local communities of Hackensack, Paramus, and Emerson. Her funeral arrangements were lovingly handled by Volk Leber Funeral Home in Oradell. A memorial Mass was held at the Church of the Assumption, and she was laid to rest at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.

She is survived by her loving parents, Michael and Jennifer Sgarella, her sister Lisa, her extended family including Guerino Cilli, and her partner Anthony Alexander, along with many friends whose lives she enriched.

Remembering Her Always

Though no words can fully capture the depth of this loss, the memories of Justine — her loyalty, compassion, laughter, and kindness — will live on in all who knew her. She wasn’t just a daughter, sister, or friend; she was a bright light in so many lives.

As the days go by, her loved ones will continue to find her in old messages, in shared recipes, in long-forgotten photos, and in the gentle ache of missing someone so deeply loved.

Rest in peace, Justine. You were one of a kind. You are remembered. You are loved. Always.