Maria was born on March 3, 1942 in the beautiful town of Vaccarizzo Albanese, Italy, was the daughter of the Mariangela and Giuseppe Barca.
In 1960, Maria made the journey across the Atlantic to the United States with her parents' family, settling in Passaic, NJ. She brought with her the rich traditions, deep faith, and vibrant spirit of her homeland. Maria was the true matriarch of her family.
Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she expressed her love through legendary cooking, making not only all the traditional Italian dishes, but many great dishes she learned from her new friends in this country. No one ever left her table hungry.
She poured her soul into her family, teaching them the values of hard work, resilience, and unconditional love. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aromas of her cooking. If she wasn't in the kitchen, she could be found tending to her garden full of flowers and vegetables.
She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Buono and her siblings Maria Vangieri and Gina Marano. She is survived by her Daughters Michele Vella and Mia Bono, Son-In-Laws James Vella and August Bono, Grandson Christopher Bono, siblings Matilda Samarro, Loretta Janus, Mario Barca, Salvatore Barca and Angelina Vizzini and many nieces and nephews who affectionately called her Zaza.
Family will be receiving relatives and friends on Wednesday September 16, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 120 Washington Ave, Westwood, NJ, on September 17, 2026, at 10:30 am. Mausoleum Entombment will take place at Westwood Cemetery, 23 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ, on September 17, 2026, at 11:45 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
