Mary Ann Purcell

She was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She then became a long-time resident of Livingston, where she raised her children before moving to Florham Park. Mary Ann was born on March 2, 1940, in Newark, NJ to parents Joseph and Anna Rizzo. She graduated from Essex County Girls Vocational and Technical High School in 1958. Mary Ann worked at St. Barnabas in the Admitting Department for over 20 years. She then worked at Pitney, Hardin, Kipp and Szuch as Assistant to the Human Resource Manager until her retirement. May Ann had a work ethic that was an example to many generations of co-workers. Regardless of her job title, wherever she worked she was the trusted person everybody went to for advice, confidence and sincere support.

Mary Ann, Mima to her family, was a long-time devoted parishioner at St. Philomena’s. Mima was the one to call when prayers were needed for someone; her faith was strong and an important part of her life always. She was the one who would light a candle in her home and pray for anyone in need. Her dedication to her faith, God and Church was the foundation that she built her entire life around. She read the bible every day, never missed five o’clock mass and said her prayers with reverence. She gave generously to her church and with a focus on those who had less and were not as fortunate as she knew she was. Her faith was deeply influenced by her late uncle Father Nicholas Pecci, aunt by marriage Sister Bernhartdus and family friend Father Andrew Porro of Italy.

She was a proud Red Hatter and enjoyed many activities with her friends. She loved to cook and will be especially remembered for her Sunday gravy, rice pudding, coconut custard pie and homemade chocolate cakes for birthdays and celebrations. She was a crazy Elvis Presley fan and has a collection of books, plates and memorabilia to show it. Mima was a committed fan of Westerns, a love she shared with her father and passed down to grandchildren Andrew and Devin, as well as books written by James Patterson.

However, there was no greater love than her love of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always a fixture at Livingston Little League Fields, Heritage soccer fields, Seton Hall Prep athletic facilities and special events at the Children’s Institute. No matter what their interest, Mima supported them in all of their endeavors.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Rizzo, and her beloved brother, John Rizzo.

Mary Ann is survived by her two adoring children, Elizabeth (Beth Ann) Waldron and her husband, Robert; her son Patrick John Purcell, Jr; her loving grandchildren Andrew and Devin Waldron, Nicholas Purcell, Brian Mueller and his wife Ashley and great grandchildren Amelia and Adelina Mueller; her brother, Joseph Rizzo, and his wife Judith; sister in law Vincenza Rizzo, wife of her deceased brother John; as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. Friends and family may pay respect following the mass in church as Mary Ann requested there be no wake. A private burial for immediate family only will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Philomena Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave, Livingston NJ 07039.