Mary Ellen Anderson

Mary Ellen Anderson

Bayonne - Mrs. Mary Ellen Anderson (née Smith) of Bayonne, N.J., passed away the morning of Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 82.

Mary Ellen married Raymond Anderson, a U.S. Customs Broker from Jersey City, in 1959 at Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church. The couple raised two children, Robert and Kathleen, and remained in a loving, devoted marriage.

Born in Hoboken, Mary Ellen was a lifelong New Jerseyan. She attended high school at St. Michael's, Union City, before settling in Jersey City. She enjoyed a long career as a beloved school secretary at Lincoln High School in Jersey City until her retirement in 2011.

Blessed with a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a mischievous streak, friends and family knew Mary Ellen as the life of the party. Into her 80s, she could be found discussing local goings-on and national politics over a glass of wine or holding court with guests of all ages. Her style—always dressed to the nines in a vivid ensemble, perfectly coiffed hair, and glimmering jewelry—perfectly reflected her larger-than-life personality.

She was a devoted daughter and a doting mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, cherishing opportunities to unite with her family during the holidays and at the Jersey Shore each summer. Humble about her accomplishments, she never missed a chance to expound upon her family members' achievements—and with her skill as a storyteller, it was always a treat to listen.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Raymond of Bayonne; son Robert of Spring Lake Heights, and his wife, Noel; and daughter Kathleen Hickey of Bayonne, and her husband, James. She is also survived by five grandchildren—Kevin Hickey, of Staten Island, N.Y.; Kaitlin Hickey, of Bayonne; Jaime Till, of Gothenburg, Sweden, and her husband Oliver; Elizabeth, of Washington, D.C.; and Emmeline, of Spring Lake Heights—and five great-grandchildren—James, Avery, Kevin, Dylan, and Theodore, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mary Smith (née Furka), sisters Margaret Smith and Eileen Harsch Sauta.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Greenville Memorial Home, 374 Danforth Ave. Jersey City, from 10:00am-11:30am. Funeral Mass 12:00 pm at Blessed Miriam Teresa Parish at St. Mary's Church Bayonne. Internment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery North Arlington, NJ.In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN.