Obituary of Maryellen Barberia

Maryellen Barberia (née Martin) of Maywood, New Jersey passed away peacefully at her home in Maywood on December 26, 2024, surrounded by her family, at the age of 80 years young. Peggy Martin gave birth to her firstborn daughter, Maryellen, in Jersey City NJ on January 28th 1944, while her husband, Jack Martin, was stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon his return, they welcomed Maryellen's sister, Patti, and brother, John. A proud Irish-American, she passed along her heritage to her children and grandchildren... though she did prefer wine over beer! Maryellen graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, in Lodi , and earned her Infant Care Nursing degree from St. Vincent's Nursery, in Montclair. She took great pride in her occupation, caring for babies and children. Maryellen joyfully married her high school sweetheart, Tony Barberia, on August 28, 1965. While raising their three children, she founded the early childhood religious education program and taught for many years at her church, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Maywood. She was also the fundraising chairperson for Community School in Teaneck, and head volunteer for Several Sources Foundation in Ramsey. Maryellen enjoyed photography and took many beautiful pictures on her travels throughout the USA, Bermuda, Italy, and Ireland. She was an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. She was an incredible mother of three and an outstanding grandmother of seven. Maryellen loved music and was our very own Dancing Queen, always getting us out of our seats to dance! She was an avid reader, talk radio fan, and a movie buff. She liked chocolate chip cookies, vanilla Häagen-Dazs and red licorice. She loved her beach house in LBI. She made us laugh until we cried. We will continue to celebrate this life with the family traditions and values she instilled in us, along with all of the wonderful memories we will cherish for our lifetime until we meet again. Beloved wife of 59 years to Anthony Barberia; loving mother to daughter Laura her husband, John Diamond, and their children: Luke, Kali and Jack; son, Jay, and his wife, Lori Barberia, and their children: Camden , Joseph, Cole and Hudson; and son, Anthony Barberia. She is also survived by her brother, John, and his wife, Susan. She is now reunited in Heaven with her mother, father, sister, and many other loved ones. Maryellen also leaves behind dear nieces, nephews, and cousins, in addition to her treasured friends who became family. Maryellen's life will be celebrated on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, from 4pm-8pm at G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Service (397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ). A funeral mass is planned for Friday, January 3rd, 2025, 11am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church (400 Maywood Ave, Maywood, NJ). In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Maryellen's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association by visiting alz.org To send condolences, get directions or for further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com