Mary Annunziato, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, after many years of suffering through Alzheimer’s disease.
Mary was born on May 15, 1950, in Lyndhurst, N.J., to James and Betty June (Fees) Bader. She married Vincent Annunziato Jr. on April 14, 1973, and they raised their three children in Vernon, N.J., for more than 20 years before moving to Toms River, N.J., in 2005.
Mary was a dedicated medical executive assistant and transcriptionist until her illness put her into an early retirement in 2011. She excelled professionally and worked hard to support her family, but her greatest devotion and joy in life came from being a mother and later a grandmother. Her best memories included family vacations, caring for her dogs, holidays and family dinners, and spending time laughing and reminiscing with loved ones.
Mary gave selflessly throughout her life, and this trait extended through her children and to everyone whose life she touched as she always offered kindness, a listening ear and optimistic assurance in times of doubt. Mary would drop everything to be there for others, always putting them first and wanting to make things easier for them — even in her passing from this world.
Mary is survived by her son, Vincent Annunziato III and his wife, Christie, of Sparta, N.J.; daughter Stacey Payne and her husband, Jon, of Texas; granddaughters, Madison Payne and Nina Annunziato; and grandsons, Jaxson Payne and Vincent “James” Annunziato IV; her brother Robert Bader; and her sister Laura Bader.
Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Vincent; daughter Melissa; her sister Sandra Bader; and her brother Jimmy Bader.
Visitation was held March 2 at the Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, Vernon. Committal interment services were at Warwick Cemetery, Warwick, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.