Aita Salasoo, Ph.D. Technical Staff member and project director, wife and mother, 59 Aita Salasoo, Ph.D., 59, of Martinsville, N.J., passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at her home, surrounded by her family. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2016, at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, N.J., at 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Born in Fairfield, New South Wales, Aita grew up in the Estonian-Australian community in and around Sydney, Australia. In 1980, after graduating from the University of Sydney with a B.A., Aita moved to Bloomington, Ind., to earn her Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Indiana University. While there, she met her future husband, Timothy Feustel. Her post doctorate work was done at the University of Maryland - Baltimore. She then became an associate professor at the State University of New York - Binghamton. Aita continued her working career with Bellcore (later Telcordia) in New Jersey as a member of Technical Staff. Finally, she worked for Cognizant Technology Solutions in Teaneck, N.J., as a senior director - projects, in the Multi-Service Integration Group. In her professional career, Aita was known for her interest in mentoring young colleagues, fostering an inclusive working environment, and never shying away from difficult problems. Aita enjoyed playing the piano, traveling, and gardening, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Feustel; two daughters, Ingrid and Endla Salasoo Feustel; her parents, Inno and Tiiu Salasoo; and two brothers, Lembit and Olev Salasoo. She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and three grand-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kimberly A. Nelson Foundation, PO Box 484, Martinsville, N.J. 08836. (www.kimsway.org).