Angela S. Pela

Angela Bruno Pela of West Orange, NJ passed away on November 5, 2023 at the age of 75. Angela will be remembered as a kind, generous, loving woman who touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.

Angela was an adored wife. Angela met Edward Sr. at the age of 15 at Hanover Park High School and it was love at first sight! Their love story began 60 years ago and will never end! Together these two lovebirds faced multiple challenges in life, but never let that slow them down. Edward agrees that Angela’s proudest achievement was her many years spent raising her beloved children. As a homemaker and mother Angela was exceptional. Involved in every aspect of their lives, Angela worked hard to make certain that her children’s dreams came true. Her first priority was ALWAYS her children!

Angela’s children are lost without her. Her seven children, Renee (predeceased), Edward (EJ) Jr., Ronald, Wendi, Thomas, Randall and Jodi remain bonded in her love. Her sons-in-laws Carmine and Thomas were equally important and loved and treasured by Angela. Daughter-in-law Jennifer holds a very special place in her heart as well and was loved by Angela.

Five beautiful grandchildren completed the family many years later. Skyler, Garrett, Kaylee, Anthony and Rylee were cherished and beloved. Being a grandmother was a second opportunity for Angela to be a “mother”. And she proudly held and honored this distinction.

As a sister, Angela never let a day go by without talking to her sister Marie and showed equal adoration for her brother Phil, and Victor (predeceased).

As a friend, Angela gave her all. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for the people she loved.

Angela had many interests. Advocacy for people with disabilities filled her days. Many years after her children had grown, Angela worked as a paraprofessional in Essex County to assist students with special needs. It wasn't about collecting a paycheck. It was about helping others and the community that inspired her to continue to do God’s work.

Angela was also very involved in her parish community. She was devoted to the Lord and leaned on him for clarity and guidance to get her through her darkest days. It is her love for the Lord and her family that gave her the strength to fight. Her fight sadly came to an end, but her story continues through those who shared in her everlasting love.

Angela will be sadly and greatly missed. She can never be replaced and most certainly, never forgotten. A memorial gathering will be held at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home located at 145 E. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039 on Friday, November 10, 2023 at from 3-7pm. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052. An interment will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936.