Mary Jane Di Paolo

With a sharp sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest of days, Mary Jane lived a life full of purpose, heart, and just the right amount of mischief. Through every challenge life placed in her path, Mary Jane, a tried-and-true Jersey City girl, was never afraid to “get her Irish up” and show her resilience despite the odds.

Mary Jane earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Jersey City State College, where she was a member of the swim team and the sorority Sigma Delta Phi. Mary Jane spent her career advocating for children, families, and equitable access to education. During her 30-year tenure at Catholic Charities, she received numerous accolades, including the Althea Wright Award and the Vroom Ambassadorship, recognizing her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service. She later retired as the Executive Director of Community Child Care Solutions, where she led with vision, integrity, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child. Her leadership strengthened programs, expanded opportunities, and touched countless lives across the community. She was also a proud founding member of the Blue Peacock Society.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas; her daughters, Jaime and Trish; and her brother and sister, Brendan (Tara) and Patricia (Dave). She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary, and siblings Sheila (Joseph), Eleanor (Frank), Sharon (Bob), and Terence (Rhea).

Mary Jane also leaves behind a large and loving extended family, beloved nieces and nephews, countless cousins, and lifelong friends and colleagues who became family over the years. Her family holds deep gratitude for Maureen and Cindy, two extraordinary women whose generosity and courage extended Mary Jane’s years and became a cherished part of her story.

Mary Jane’s legacy lives on in the children she championed, the programs she built, and the family she adored. In her altruistic way, she donated her body to the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for medical research.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation: pkdcure.org

Services will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church, in Sparta NJ at 9:30 am followed by a memorial mass at 11 am. A celebration of life will follow at the Sparta Elks Club on the Lake Mohawk boardwalk.