It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marie Merante. Marie passed away on Friday, March 6^th, in Freehold, NJ surrounded by her family.

Marie was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She went to Shallow Junior High School, where she met the love of her life at 12 years old, Joseph, then New Utrecht High School and later Hunter College. Following college, Marie and Joseph would marry and raise their young family on Staten Island, before moving to New Jersy in 1980.

Marie was a teacher in New York City’s Public School System for 25 years. She continued her commitment for enriching the minds of children long after retiring through her love of books with her grandchildren, and teaching CCD at St. Mary’s church, Colts Neck.

Marie and her husband loved to travel. They were able to see most of the world, with their multiple trans-Atlantic crossings on the luxury ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth II, being some of the most treasured memories. As well as her love of reading, she had a special knack for gift-giving, finding unique ways of expressing and giving love for every occasion. She and Joe also enjoyed cooking, throwing parties, going to the beach, to the theater, and the opera. They were active members of St. Mary’s church in Colts Neck for 45 years, where they deeply embraced their faith, and made lifelong friends.

Marie is predeceased by her parents, John and Katherine Yodice, and her sister Millie Yodice.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 75 years, Joseph Merante; her children Joseph Merante and his wife Celeste and Lisa Pucillo and her significant other Bob Fryer; her sister Catharine DeFeo and her husband Dee; her grandchildren Jaclyn Pucillo and her fiancé Adam Brick, Alexis Sargisoff and her husband Dennis, and Renee Merante; and her great grandchildren Willow, Adriana and Olivia.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11^th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at St. Mary’s RC Church, 1 Phalanx Rd, Colts Neck. A mass will follow at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the mass at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Mary’s RC Church, 1 Phalanx Rd, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.