Marietta Rurade

Marietta passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026 in Toms River, NJ. She was 71 years old. Born in Germany in 1954, Marietta immigrated to the United States with her mother in 1958, settling in Guttenberg, New Jersey. Marietta quickly adapted to her new home, learning English in grammar school and embracing her life in America with resilience and grace. After her graduation from North Bergen High School, Marietta began her career at Ormond Shops, a popular women's apparel chain, where she worked with dedication, making many friends along the way. She enjoyed playing in the Ormond summer softball league. In the late 1990s, she joined the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a toll collector, a role she held with pride and reliability until her well-deserved retirement in 2016.

Marietta was a wonderful sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. Known for her honesty, caring nature, generosity, and unwavering loyalty, she touched the lives of everyone around her. From a young age, her generosity shone brightly: as an 18-year-old just starting out in the workforce, she spent her entire paycheck on Christmas presents for her two younger sisters, determined to give them a brighter, more joyful holiday. That selflessness defined her --she was honest, caring, deeply generous and fiercely loyal throughout her life.

Marietta had a deep love for animals and found great joy in the beauty of the ocean. A devoted fan of daytime television, she rarely missed her "soaps," especially General Hospital. She was also a passionate supporter of baseball, cheering enthusiastically for the New York Yankees in all of her Yankee attire.

Throughout her life, Marietta embraced her German heritage, and was an active member of the Schuetzen Park shooting club, where she was crowned “queen” for her shooting prowess. Marietta enjoyed the yearly Schuetzen outing to the Catskills, as well as the annual NYC German-American Steuben parade.

Above all, Marietta was most proud of her family—particularly her beloved niece Cami and her two nephews, Billy and Ryan. She faithfully followed the baseball career of nephew Billy and his accolades.

Marietta moved to south Jersey in the 90s, first to Point Pleasant Beach to be near beloved extended family: Beverly Jaeger, Jan Strader, and Jodi and Geoff Carragher. Later, she moved to Toms River, where she met many cherished friends locally, including her dearest friend and ally, Donna Dapuzzo. During Marietta's final years, Donna remained a steadfast source of comfort and support as Marietta navigated various healthcare battles.

Marietta is survived by her sister Wanda Cooke and brother-in-law Bill, her sister Janice Hambor and brother-in-law Shayne Bornt, her niece Cami Cooke, her nephews Billy Cooke and Ryan Ustas, cousins Doug Hambor, Cynthia Perry,and Eugene Vitale, and her Uncle Frank Hambor.

Marietta was predeceased by her parents Anna and John Hambor, and several aunts and uncles from Germany.

Marietta's kindness, loyalty, and love for life's simple pleasures will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.