Madeline Graziano's Obituary
Madeline Marie (Brescia) Graziano passed away peacefully on January 7, 2017 after a long illness in Lewes, Delaware. Madeline was a remarkable woman in many ways, born to Lawrence and Marie Brescia in Jersey City, NJ on June 15, 1923. She is also predeceased by a sister Delia Maresca and survived by a brother Anthony Brescia.
Madeline (affectionately called Mandy) attended business school and was employed at Westinghouse where she caught the eye of George Graziano. She recognized him as the "catch" that he was and eagerly began "keeping company”. After World War II, the couple married and "set up housekeeping" in North Arlington, NJ and later continued raising a family in Glen Rock, New Jersey.
Mandy and George were true soul mates. They were completely devoted to one another in a strong 68 year marriage, envied by many for their genuine affection for each other, and held hands right up until their last day together.
.. Madeline proudly raised 3 daughters who married 3 "Irish guys" whom she adored: Judith O'Reilly and husband John of Paramus New Jersey, Susan O'Doherty and her husband Jim of Lewes, Delaware and Linda McGrory and husband George of Danbury CT.
Her grandchildren, Christine, Alison, Jason, George, James and Caitlin and their spouses will always remember her ability to "do it all" and do it with grace, talent and ease.
She was a loving great grandma (Gigi) to 8 boys: Dayton, Milo, Nick, Joe, Aidan, Shane, Luke and Mason.
Mandy was a devoted wife and mother, the picture of domesticity who enjoyed cooking, baking and entertaining, known to host a great party, (often themed). She and George were flawless dance partners, admired by many for their ability “cut a rug”. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and sewing and made shopping a “sport”. She volunteered in Girl Scouts and in her daughters’ schools and was a parishioner of St. Catherine's Church in Glen Rock, NJ for many years. She seemed to have invented multitasking and would squeeze as much as she could into everyday with endless energy. She was equally as talented in her work life and had a long career in the Legal Department at Liberty Mutual, Saddle Brook NJ where her co-workers became lifelong friends
Mandy enjoyed being in the midst of her extended family and loved the many adventures, outing and trips shared with her sisters-in-laws and brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews and her beloved mother-in-law Catherine LaCava Graziano as the matriarch of a wonderfully warm, fun-loving family.
Madeline will be cherished for the caring daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, aunt, friend and neighbor she was to so many who have treasured memories of many special times and traditions.
She had a zest for life and no matter what came her way she believed that there was no sense in worrying about what was out of one’s control. She truly lived ‘in the moment’. She has gifted us with a true legacy: her wisdom, talent, and great capacity for kindness and love. Forever in our hearts she will be.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catharine Roman Catholic Church, Glen Rock NJ on Feb. 4th at 9:30 am with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. No flowers please.
Contributions are greatly appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/MadelineGraziano or mail to 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105, reference # 10886789.
What’s your fondest memory of Madeline?
What’s a lesson you learned from Madeline?
Share a story where Madeline's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Madeline you’ll never forget.
How did Madeline make you smile?