Mary Misuraca

Mary E. Misuraca (nee Andriola) 86 of Union, NJ peacefully departed from us to be with her creator on Sunday April 7, 2013 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Born and raised in Newark, the daughter of the late Louise (nee Mantore) and Nicholas Andriola, she was the youngest of 5 daughters and 1 of 10 children born to them. She married in 1947 at the tender age of 19, and remained a devoted wife of 37 years to the late Leo L. Misuraca who predeceased her in 1984. Together they raised their four loving children in Irvington for 28 years prior to Mary and her son Tommy moving to Union where she has lived for 25 years.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Mary was a true homemaker having a passion for making homemade raviolis and manicotti for the family feasts. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, doing puzzles, going to bingo, the horse races and Atlantic City. A smile could always be found on her face and her good sense of humor with lots of laughter and friendliness made her someone to enjoy being around. She was a big-hearted woman who enjoyed giving generously to those she loved. She rarely lavished on herself, always saving to do something nice for someone else. Her Italian cookies were her 'special' gift to everyone. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Mary is survived by her daughter Elizabeth and her husband Frank Conticello; her son Leonard and his wife Annelise; her daughter Carol Shortall; and her son Thomas. Loving grandmother of Frank and Karine Conticello, James Conticello, Michael and Jordan Conticello, Leonard Misuraca, Krista Misuraca, Bradley Shortall, and Danielle, Thomas and Anthony Misuraca. Loving great-grandmother of Frank, Ava Conticello, and Chase, Zack and Trent Conticello. Loving sister of Sara Melici who has been by her side for 10 years as a companion and caregiver of the last two years and brother Thomas Andriola. Mary is predeceased by 3 sisters Anna Apice, Josephine (Dolly) Dirago, Caroline (Tootsie) Aroujio and 4 brothers, William, John, Rocco and Conrad Andriola.

She leaves behind a dear neighbor and friend, Jeanie Hilbrand, who looked after her over the years and was always there for her whenever she needed her. Her dearly beloved friend of 50 years, Sue Campisi, predeceased her in 2010 as many others have as well.

She was lovingly cared for by Miss Ellie, Miss Belen, Miss Lidia, Miss Blanca, and Nurse Deena during her two year journey. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their loving care and friendship throughout this journey.

Funeral is from the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Wednesday at 8 AM. Funeral mass is at St. James Church in Springfield at 9:15 AM. Entombment at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union. Visitation is on Tuesday from 4-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Atlantic Home Healthcare and Hospice in Millburn.

To view a tribute video for Mary, please visit http://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/99TZ37QXGPPPHX8Q