Mary Catherine Mazzola

Mary Catherine Mazzola (nee Ocello) passed away at Spring Hills Assisted Living Facility in Franklin Township on December 20th at the age of 90. Born and raised in Hoboken, she was the youngest of eight children. She was a 1951 graduate of A. J. Demarest High School, the only member of her family to do so. After graduation she went to work at the Hanover Bank in New York. She married Onofrio Mazzola in 1955 and they moved to Carteret a few years later to raise their family. Early on she was a full-time homemaker and mother to her four sons. She was an active and involved parent often volunteering in support of her children’s various activities. From school, to scouts, to music, to athletics, she was an ever-present participant in their growing years. As her children grew, she returned to work at the Carteret Bank and Trust Company, then SGS Marine Services. With her husband she had an active social life. Excellent dancers, they attended many functions where they could get out and enjoy themselves on the dance floor. There were many family gatherings for the holidays and special events. Along with vacations with their children, they would also travel with family and friends to destinations such as Italy, Las Vegas, the Poconos, the Bahamas, and on cruises. They also spent many years in various bowling leagues. Often getting together with neighbors and friends she enjoyed pinochle, mahjong, and just spending time sharing a cup of coffee and conversation. She was an avid reader and would go through dozens of books each year, particularly romance novels and crime dramas. Upon retirement they moved to the Ponds Adult Community in Monroe Township. After the passing of her husband, she became an active single senior at the Ponds joining the Red Hat Society, the Italian American Club, the Singles Club, and others. She was a Eucharistic Minister at The Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Monroe. Fiercely independent, she lived alone into her late 80’s before finally moving into Spring Hills two years ago. She was predeceased by her husband Onofrio, her parents Carmelo and Carmella Ocello, her brothers Michael, Anthony, and Joseph, and her sisters Frances, Tindara, Anna, and Jay. She is survived by her sons Anthony and his wife Marilyn of Franklin Township, Robert and his husband Barry of Florida, James and his wife Suzanne of Delaware, and Joseph and his wife Debbie of North Carolina. Also surviving are her grandchildren Jonathan, Samantha, Michael, Anna, Carmella, and Angela, her great grandchildren Parker and Eli, and many loving nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren. Funeral Services will be at Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd, Manville NJ 08835. Viewing will be from 4pm - 8pm on Thursday Dec 28th. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, Dec 29th at 10am at St Joseph’s Church, 34 Yorktown Rd, Hillsborough NJ, 08844. Entombment will follow at 12:15 pm at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington NJ 07031. A repast will follow at Roma Restaurant, 33 Chrystal St, North Arlington. I lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Lung Association.

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Mary Catherine Mazzola

May 6, 1933 - December 20, 2023