Anna Mae "Preste" Dunleavy

Anna Mae (nee Preste) Dunleavy, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 95 surrounded by her family. Born on August 18, 1929, in Passaic, New Jersey, Anna was the beloved daughter of the late John and Mary (nee Dwan) Preste. Her early years were spent in Paterson before moving to Clifton, where she resided for eighty-two years.
Ann's life was a testament to the enduring power of love and family. She was the devoted wife of the late John J. Dunleavy for fifty-five years, and together they built a life full of warmth and happiness. Her legacy is carried on by her loving daughters, Maureen Fischer and Nancy Fleischer, and her husband, Christopher; her sons, Timothy and Jeffry Dunleavy; and her cherished grandchildren, Sean Fischer and his wife, Sheriann, Rob Fischer, Scott Dunleavy and his wife, Farrell, and Megan Fleischer. Ann was also a proud great-grandmother to Madison, Sophia, and Ryan Fischer, as well as Jack, Grace, and William Dunleavy. She was predeceased by her sister, Joan Pangaro, her brother, John Preste, and her son-in-law, Robert J. Fischer, Jr.
Throughout her life, Ann was known for her loving, kind, and thoughtful nature. Her hands were rarely still, as she was incredibly talented in counted cross stitch, creating beautiful pieces that will be treasured for generations. Ann's love for travel took her to the rolling hills of Ireland and the sunny shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but her favorite journeys were those that led her back to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives she touched with her gentle presence and unwavering support.
A devoted parishioner of St. Paul R.C. Church in Clifton, her faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Ann's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her life was a beautiful patchwork of moments spent with family, friends, and faith, each thread woven with the utmost care and love. As we say goodbye to Ann, we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories passed down through the generations and in the countless lives she touched with her extraordinary heart.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, August 21 at 10:00 am at St. Paul R.C. Church, 124 Union Avenue, Clifton. Burial of her ashes will take place at 11:30 am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are by Bizub-Quinlan Funeral home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.