Marie J. Tufaro

Marie J. Tufaro (née Mazgerdlian), 88, of Elmwood Park, passed away on November 15, 2025.Born and raised in Garfield, Marie lived in Lodi, before settling in Elmwood Park, where she created a warm and welcoming home for her family of four children. A devoted homemaker and longtime parishioner of St. Anne R.C. Church in Fair Lawn, she will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steady love and beauty, both inside and out. The love of her life was her husband, Joe, whom she called "Her Boyfriend" throughout her life. They were constant companions since their wedding day on September 8, 1952. Her children were the most important to her, giving of herself, her time, her hopes and dreams. Marie had a whimsical side that made her easy to love. She adored mermaids, stars, and the soft calm of the color lavender, touches of magic that seemed to mirror her own sweetness. She was happiest when everyone was together, sharing time, stories, and new places. She was known for her "drawer of brochures," where she went to plan her many trips to mostly the Caribbean in the winter, and summers in Lake George and Manahawkin at the Pink House. She loved the table, where everyone was welcome. Always turning a simple visit or meal into an occasion, just by sitting with the people she loved. She was a wonderful cook who provided so much love in her meals. She shared her recipes, so the family can continue to have a piece of her at every meal or special gathering together for years to come. She adored her grandchildren, and was always first in line at sports games, special events, graduations, and just sitting and talking to them, learning about their lives. She would often lend something of hers to add the perfect finishing touch, whether it be a piece of jewelry, shoes, car to use for Prom, or her impeccable opinion of what would make the moment most special. She had a creative mind and would tell the children wonderful, stories that she would make up and the kids were always listening and looking forward to what would happen next. She would play and dress up and enjoy games with them. She was a devoted and loyal friend. She made many close friendships that lasted a lifetime. She enjoyed dressing up with Joe and finding the best restaurants to enjoy their times together with their dear friends. In her later years at home, her cherished ragdoll cat, Charlie, was always by her side. He was her third son. He held a very special place in her heart. She never wanted to burden anyone and refused to leave her beautiful and peaceful home in Elmwood Park. So, for the past four years, Marie was blessed with devoted and loving friends and caretakers, Ia, Eka, Nellie, Tammy, Carole, AnnMarie. Tea and Natalia. Their kindness and care will never be forgotten and have truly become part of the Tufaro Family. She will truly be missed, but it is a comfort to know she has joined the many who loved and enjoyed her.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, Setrak and Jean Mazgerdlian, and by her beloved husband, Joseph A. Tufaro. She was the devoted mother of Jim Tufaro and his wife Patricia of Saddle Brook, Donna Murphy and her husband Bob of Wanaque, Gary Tufaro and his wife Darice of Livingston, and Toni Burke and her husband Vincent of Paramus. She was the loving grandmother of Jimmi, Joey, Joseph, Christopher, Danielle, Kristen, Gary, Cavan, and Casie, and the proud great-grandmother of James, Jayce, Justin, Jason, Gianna, Allison, and Lucas. She was also the cherished sister-in-law of Gae DeMarco and her husband Dan, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Friday November 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Di Chiara Funeral Home, 300 Main St., Lodi, for a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Anne Church, Fair Lawn. Entombment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Lodi. Visitation will be held on Thursday November 20, 2025 from 3–8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Directions and condolences: www.dichiarafuneralhome.com