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Mary DiPace Obituary
Mary DiPace (nee Gannacci) died peacefully at home on February 17, 2023 at the age of 98 surrounded by her loving and caring family.
A visitation will be held on Monday February 20, 2023 from 4-7pm at the Rossi Funeral Home 1937 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday February 21, 2023 at 10 am from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scotch Plains. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Mary to: ALZHEIMERS NEW JERSEY INC.
425 EAGLE ROCK AVE STE 203 ROSELAND NJ 07068-171
Born in Plainfield, she later married and moved to Scotch Plains in 1946 and has been a lifelong resident since.
Mary was a member of the Fanwood Senior Citizens group. Strong in her faith and a devout parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary, she was a member of the Rosary Altar Society. She faithfully upheld and passed down many Italian family traditions such as Sunday and holiday dinners, and took great pride in feeding all that walked through her doors. Anyone was welcome at her table.
She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 62 years John DiPace, and two siblings Phyllis Della Santi and Joseph Gannacci.
She is survived by her six children: Anthony (Denise), John (Dorian), Debra (Carolyn Donner), Nick (Stephanie), Mary Ann (Lisa Ward), Lisa (Patricia DiCarlo); six loving grandchildren Jennifer (Neil), John (Lara), Anthony (Christine), Christina, Joseph and Alexandra (Ryan); and four great-grandchildren Ava, Zachary, Jackson and Caia; and her sister-in-law Louise Gannacci.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary DiPace
29 Entries
I miss the one I called grandma mary
Jackson Dipace
February 21, 2023
Jackson Dipace
February 21, 2023
I was really sad when she died but I just remembered the good times.
Jennifer
February 20, 2023
It feels like the end of an era. My grandmother, our matriarch, has left this world for her eternal rest. She was our leader, our guide, our rock. With a gentle humility, she led this family and kept us connected, deeply connected. As I sit with this tribe of hers after her wake, I look around and know how profoundly blessed we are to have such a connectedness. Make no doubt about it, the relationships here are no accident. We learned from her example and heeded the principled life she lived for close to a century. Her life was one of faith, dedication, and simplicity. She never fussed much about anything, not because she didn’t have anything to complain about but rather because she always seemed to know what was REALLY important in this life - her family, friends, and God. One of my favorite songs reminds me of my grandmother’s lesson of always keeping the important things in focus - “it all goes by real quick, you can’t BUY happiness.(instead) send your prayers up and your roots down deep, add a few limbs to your family tree and watch their pencil marks and the grass in the yard all grow up.”
So, my plea to this tribe of mine, is that we continue to live the way she modeled so well for us. That we continue to laugh, share our joys and sorrows with one another, and celebrate the important things in life. It may look different than it did before, but special nonetheless because we honor her memory.
Theresa Bell-Fama
February 20, 2023
May the Angels Guide your way home. Rest in Peace. Condolences to the DiPace Family from my family.
How you can show support
Jim Ward
February 20, 2023
I always enjoyed our telephone calls with Mary and our discussions about Flowers. God bless you and your Family.
JOSEPH DIPACE
February 20, 2023
The thing I loved most about going to grandma's house and seeing her was knowing that she would always be excited to see us. I know that she loved everyone individually and us being present at the housetl meant that we were certainly celebrating some event or tradition. Whether it was the July birthdays, Easter, Christmas, or just a standard Sunday dinner, seeing grandma meant that EVERYONE would be there. No one would dare miss out on the homemade pasta, the meats and cheeses or the inevitable yelling across the table and the conversations about who had the worst back/knee/heart issues in the family.
I also loved that grandma would speak to us in short Italian phrases that she knew we had no idea what they meant. It was kind of her way of staying in touch with her own family's history. The most notable phrase that applied to all DiPace's alike was 'gabadost', which aptly means "hard-headed".
As sweet and kind as grandma was, I also loved teasing her to see if I could get a rise out of her or even have her yell at me. I would take every opportunity to come up from behind her and gently mess up her hair, which I knew she hated. She quickly became aware that it was me everytime without even needing to see who was back there. She would also ask, without fail, upon my arrival to her house if I had gotten taller. I would always just reply, "No Grandma, I'm not getting taller. You're just getting shorter". That was always my favorite.
Grandma is the reason we are all here today and even though we'll miss her dearly, I honestly believe that she's now at peace knowing we still all have each other.
Love,
Joe
James Taxdahl
February 19, 2023
DiPace Family, Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your Mom & Grandmother. My heart goes out to you and I hope your happy memories will help you through this time.
Ron Criscitiello
February 19, 2023
Mary , I was happy to visit and check on you a few weeks ago when I was in New Jersey. You will be remembered as a wonderful matriarch. Love, Ron
Anthony DiPace
February 19, 2023
I miss you MOM. Say Hi to DAD for me. Anthony
Lisa DiPace
February 19, 2023
Mom,
I put off writing this because I thought it would be too hard, but then I thought about your life, and you never had things easy. You grew up during the depression; you raised 6 kids, almost single-handedly while Dad worked endlessly; you cared for your Mom in her old age; you helped raise your grandchildren by babysitting whenever you could; you fought to stay in the home Dad built you, even after he was gone. You were one strong lady! No one will argue that.
I will be the first to admit that we did not see eye to eye on most things. I was a rebel - you were a rule follower. But, there was one thing you gave me, that I treasure - your love for cooking and baking. I remember as a child helping you make the lasagna for Palm Sunday dinner. You always let me lick the spoon from the ricotta filling. You made preparing large holiday dinners look easy. There was no skimping - everything was homemade. No store bought anything hit our tables. And everything was presented like you were in a fine restaurant. Oh, and the cookies! I still make some of your recipes, and they still never taste as good as yours. What I have missed the most in recent years was being able to call you and ask "how many eggs do you put in the meatballs?" or "how do you roll those cream cheese knots?".
I hope there is a big, beautiful kitchen up in heaven (with the granite countertops that Dad would never let you get!), and your making meatballs and gravy for Dad & Uncle Joe right now.
Rest peaceful Mom - I'll do the cooking from here.
PS - don't worry - I will never let them stop using the Christmas Lenox!
Love - Lisa
Michelle Criscitiello
February 19, 2023
RIP Mary. You were always an angel to me and the entire family. You always made me laugh. You will be missed. Love Michelle
Anna Carullo
February 19, 2023
So sorry for your precious loss may she Rest In PeaceAnna carullo
Meryl Murtha
February 18, 2023
Hello Anthony and Family,
Looking at the lovely pictures and reading about Mary showed me how much love you all have for her and she had for you. Sending my deepest sympathy, I know this is a difficult time for you. But, I also know your fond and loving memories will make you think of her and smile. You're all blessed to have each other.
Carol Walczuk
February 18, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful mother of a loving and caring family. The last time I saw her she was happy and enjoying herself and dancing with her family. I am thankful to have known her. May her family find comfort sharing happy family memories. May she rest in peace.
rosemarie estok
February 18, 2023
Only saw your mom at your anniversary party and she sure was having a good time. I am sure she lived a great life sharing numerous happy occasions with all of her family. May she rest in peace.
John DiPace
February 18, 2023
Gram,
I can’t even begin to describe what you meant to not only me but to this entire family. None of us would be here, or be the people we are today, without you and your influence throughout our lives. I have been blessed to have you in my life for this long and will hold onto the memories I have of you for the rest of my life.
It feels like just a couple years ago that I was riding my bike over your house every week to mow the lawn. You would always yell at Pop if he was too critical of my lawn cutting abilities. You always had ice tea, lunch, and some advice waiting for me when I was done. We used to sit and talk about anything and everything. I will never forget some of those conversations we had together. From sports, current events, work, life lessons, goals, loveyou always were there to talk to. You never judged or were harsh. You spoke your heart and delivered advice in a way that was both soft but poignant.
As I got older, I stilled tried to get over to see you to help with whatever you needed. From fixing something that was broken, replacing a light bulb, cleaning the gutters, putting up Christmas decorations it didn’t matter what it was, it gave me an excuse to come see you. I didn’t come early to all the holidays or parties to setup to just be helpful. I did it because I wanted to be around you. I wanted more time with you. I find myself writing this now wishing I had more time still with you. Your presence was magical to be around. You were always more of a quiet and reserved woman but your strength and fortitude to raise this family was truly remarkable.
I feel so lucky to have known you and be loved by you. I am even more blessed that you were able to be in Jackson & Caia’s life as well. I know they will always remember Grandma Mary and I can only hope they will grow up to emulate you and Pop.
Go rest now Gram. You’ve done your job herebetter than I could ever dream of. Say hello to Whodoyoucall up in Heaven. I will you see again one dayuntil then I love you and I miss you.
-Little John
February 17, 2023
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To our Grammy Mary - we love you and will miss you
Good times
Stephanie
February 17, 2023
My birthday
Stephanie
February 17, 2023
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
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Memorial Events
for Mary DiPace
Feb
20
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Rossi Funeral Home - Scotch Plains1937 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Feb
21
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Scotch Plains, NJ
Funeral services provided by:
Rossi Funeral Home - Scotch Plains1937 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076