Mary Theresa Visci, nee Leanza—a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, godparent, and friend—passed away on December 4, 2023 at age 91.

She is reunited with her beloved husband, Ignatius; her mother, Giusepina; her father, Pasquale; her siblings Calogero, Rosalie, Charles, Anthony, and Frank, along with their spouses; and all the members of the Leanza and Visci families who passed before her.

Mary leaves behind her three children and their spouses, Joseph & Camille, Gerard & Julie, and Maria & Rosario, as well as six grandchildren: Gregory, Christine, Marissa, Ross, Gerard, and Colette.

Mary was born on Easter Sunday, the youngest of five close-knit siblings. While she spent most of her life in Brooklyn, New York, she also grew up in a convent on Staten Island as a young child and lived on Long Island and then Staten Island again in later years. She was a first-generation American from a family of seamstresses whose path she followed. She worked as a realtor and banker as well.

Mary met her husband Ignatius on Valentine’s Day. He later proposed with a ring inside a Cracker Jack box. They were married for 27 years, and she described him as the best husband and father in the world. They enjoyed the little things together, including Scrabble marathons, playing card games, and raising their three children. She missed him every day…

For the past 25 years, Mary lived in New Jersey near her family. Self-assured, courageous, strong-willed, and ever stylish, she was known for her continuous prayers, numerous rosaries, and devotion to Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother.

Mary worried often and loved always. She poured her love into her cooking, from her Christmas Eve fish salad to her Easter pizza piena, and into every anisette cookie. She leaves behind a legendary cookbook collection, and her recipes will continue to bring joy long after she’s gone.

Among Mary’s favorite memories were spending time with her children and grandchildren, her trip to Italy with her goddaughter Pat, and celebrating Thanksgiving with her brother nieces and nephews.

Mary has an undying place in our hearts and will be greatly missed.

Visitation Thursday, December 14^th 4:00-8:00 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. Mass of Christian burial Friday, December 15^th 11:00 am at St. Gabriel’s RC Church, Marlboro.  Burial to follow in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery.  In lieu of traditional remembrances, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Catholic Charities; catholiccharitiesusa.org.