Marian Ann Laracy

Marian Laracy, 92, passed on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at her residence in Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The cause was congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 5, 1922 in Orange, New Jersey, Marian was the daughter of William and Mary Gallagher. She lived most of her life in the Oranges before moving, in retirement, to central Florida. She recently returned home to northern New Jersey to be closer to her children and their families.

A graduate of Orange High School, she also attended Newark State College. Marian was, for over 25 years, a highly successful residential real estate broker with the firms Carano Real Estate and Degnan Boyle Real Estate, both in West Orange.

Marian was an avid poet, with many of her pieces focusing on the follies and foibles of the aging process. In a review of her book of poetry, the St. Petersburg Times wrote, “Poet Marian Laracy tells it like it is in The Years. With outspoken verve, she writes about aging, sex, fat, faith, spinach, and being called ‘young lady.’ Alternately tender and acerbic, as well as raucously funny, these poems have the ring of truth.” She gave many poetry readings to appreciative senior citizen groups in New Jersey, New York City and Florida.

Marian also wrote, directed, and produced two plays about the drama and comedy of life in a retirement community, both of which were performed by her friends and neighbors.

Marian was affectionately known by many of her acquaintances as the “Hat Lady.” At her death she had a collection of over 80 hats, which she wore with great verve and panache.

Marian was happily married for 40 years to Charles Laracy, who passed in 1990, at the age of 73. She was predeceased by her brother William. She is survived by her sister, Jean Laracy, and her five children, Mark Laracy and his wife, Suellen; Michele Laracy Bowen (“Mimi”) and her husband, Reese Bowen; Michael and his wife, Eileen McGinnis; Gregory and his wife, Sara; and Ward and his wife, Nancy. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom she took great pleasure and pride in.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014 at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave. 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Everyone is invited directly to St. John’s Church, Ridge St. at White St., Orange, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, September 28 at 11 AM. The cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Smile Train or to Magnificat Home, a non-profit charity founded by Mathew Laracy and his family that operates a home for women in Jersey City; donations may be sent c/o Anne Majewski, 336 Clark St., South Orange, NJ 07079.

Marian was very proud of her children and grandchildren and often said, "We are blessed." Her children and grandchildren also feel "blessed" to have had Mom and Nana in their lives. She will be deeply missed every day.