Maria L Colicchia

Maria was born in Elizabeth, NJ, to Filippo and Vittoria (Laface) Colicchia on July 27, 1955.

She graduated from Battin High School, Elizabeth, NJ, in 1973 and attended Kean College of NJ (Kean University). Maria worked in the medical records field for 22 years at three Elizabeth, NJ, hospitals. She started her career as a Medical Transcriptions Clerk at Alexian Brothers Hospital. Then she moved on to be a Medical Records Clerk at Elizabeth General Hospital and then at Trinitas Medical Center where she finished her career.

Maria loved to travel, including visits to Italy, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Jersey shore, and to visit her family in Australia. She cruised to Bermuda and Alaska and traveled with her friends to Las Vegas and the Catskills. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends celebrating the traditions of the holidays and special moments of their lives. Known as Aunt and Zizi, Maria embraced the beloved children in her life, sharing their milestones and achievements.

Maria is survived by loving family and friends including her dear sister: Lina A. (Colicchia) Belkewitch, whom she called her Angel; she is also survived by her aunts: Yolanda Laface, Sarah Laface and Tina Colicchia; by her cousins: Annette Russo (Filippo), Paul Laface (Cindy), Paula Busby (Bud), Joanne Webb (George), Valerio Colicchia (Maria), Marie Grixti (John), Angela Ianno (Gino), Sandro Albertin (Angela), Paul Bufalino (Franca), Lidia Lardo (Mario), Tony Colicchia (Lori), Ven Colicchia, Josie Colicchia, Carmel Cavallaro, Rose Spano (Paul), Frank Colicchia (Virginia), Robert Colicchia, Pina Colicchia and their families; by her nieces and nephews: Joey Caravano (Sandra), Nina Armento (Mark), Mathew Caravano (Shannon), Michael Tomkiewicz (Ashley), Angelica Kaulfers (Jason), Mathew Busby, Danielle Busby, Michelle Gray (Nick), Michael Laface (Alana), Nicholas Laface, Dana Kalasin, Nicole Lindemeyer, Marilide Colicchia, Rafaelle Colicchia, Aryton Grixti, Ellida Grixti, Alyssa Spencer (Timothy), Aaron Ianno (Lobna), Thomas Albertin, Daniel Albertin, Loredana Bufalino, Elisa Gavaghan (Shane), Angela Cavallaro, Joseph Cavallaro (Sandra), Vinnie Spano (Dani), Mark Spano, Deanna Spano, Michaela Nikakis, Emilia Colicchia, Greta Colicchia and James Colicchia; by her great nieces and nephews: Joseph, John, James, Siena, Giulia, Mark, Ben, Juliana, Ellie, Aubrey, Adrianna, Mikaela, Chiara, Luciano, Ayla, Maia, Chloe, Eimear, Cian, Levi ; and by so many loving friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Filippo and Vittoria (Laface) Colicchia; by her brother-in-law Chester Belkewitch; and by her uncles and aunts: Jerry Laface, Anthony Laface, Nicola Colicchia, Giuseppe Colicchia, Rosa Albertin and Nata Bufalino; and her cousin Marisa Albertin.

Memorial donations may be made to Maria’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donate by clicking www.stjude.org or by phone at 800-805-5856.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to: Dr. Kevin Lukenda and all of Maria’s medical team that fought with her to keep her going. Also, special thanks to: the wonderful caregivers at RWJ Hospital Rahway; Maria’s team of home health aides, especially our dear friend Choute Calixte; and Holy Redeemer Homecare.