Obituary of Maria Mazzola

Maria Mazzola, 87, a beloved homemaker, passed on February 9, 2020 at Hackensack UMC. She was surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and many supporters carried her through the last years and days of her life. Maria was born in Massa Lubrense, Italy to the late Egidio and Giuseppa. She was the youngest of six siblings. She was married to Cataldo Mazzola for 38 years. She immigrated from Italy to America in July1954. She resided in Hoboken, New Jersey for 19 years, before moving to North Bergen in 1973 and then to Allendale in 1997. Maria was preceded in death by her husband Cataldo Mazzola, son Joseph, daughter-in- law Susan Mazzola, siblings: Eligio, Giuseppe, Pasquale, Carlo and Ercilia, two nephews both Egidio, as well as other family members who will greet her in heaven. She is survived by son Ralph Mazzola (Lucille Donatacci), daughter Susan Baglino (Anthony), grandchildren Melissa Mazzola (Perry Hughes), Stacy Rafferty (Scott), Courtney Fernandez (Zachary), Brittney Baglino, and Ashley Lucker (Connor), great grandchildren Riley and Carly Rafferty, Grayson and Aubrey Fernandez, and sister-in-law Giuseppina in Italy. Affectionately known as “Mommy, Nonna, Lily, Pakoo, and Sophia” she was a woman of faith and the heart of her family. She was known for her ease in conversation, a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. She loved the beauty of flowers, looking at birds in her backyard, and watching General Hospital, daily Mass, and the Italian Channel. She also enjoyed calling her family in Italy and being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. She always looked for the good in all. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Maria faithfully cared for family through delicious cooking and baking from scratch. Maria’s signature gift of joy, shown constantly throughout her life, will never be forgotten. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually – either through prayer and/or visits. Visitation will be held at Vander Plaat Funeral Home at 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (201-891-3400) www.vpfh.com. The family will receive visitors from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Wednesday, February 12th. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 10:30am at Guardian Angel RC Church at 320 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ 07401. Entombment will follow at Fairview Mausoleum at 501 Bergenwood Road, Fairview, NJ 07022. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.