Mary F. Lutz

Mary was born on Thursday, May 28, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of the late Americo and Maria Rizzo, who had immigrated to the United States from Italy.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her three brothers, George, Jimmy, and Artie; her two sisters, Lucille and Lillian; her eldest child, George; and her beloved husband, Peter. Mary held a deep belief that death was not a final goodbye, but a reunion with those she loved. She found comfort in the hope that she would one day be reunited with them in Heaven.

Mary is survived by her two daughters and their families, Paula Sullivan and her husband, Terrence Sullivan; and Mari Mills and her husband, Robert Mills.

She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Brian Sullivan and his wife, Jennifer Sullivan; Kelly Sullivan and his partner, Alicia Shelton; Taylor Mathis and her husband, David Mathis; and Emma Mills and her fiancé Michael Pressler.

Mary was also a beloved great-grandmother to Sloane and Brady, children of Brian and Jennifer, and Connor and Parker, children of Kelly and Alicia. Mary is additionally survived by her sister, Connie Pussilano, who, along with Mary's many friends and extended family, will miss her dearly.

Mary will be remembered for her deep love of travel and the many adventures she shared with her husband and her sisters. She made many trips abroad, returning to Italy to reconnect with her heritage, while also traveling throughout Europe and creating cherished memories along the way. She has passed that love of travel on throughout the family.

She will also be remembered for her love of hosting and entertaining. From memorable Halloween parties and lively family gatherings, to her annual charitable Christmas parties, Mary always enjoyed bringing people together. No family party or social gathering was complete without Mary's famous lasagna and eggplant parmesan, recipes which will passed down for generations. She always wanted to fill her home with fun and memories, with her grandchildren remembering summer days spent in the pool on Alpine Terrace, and weekend sleepovers spent with their grandmother.

Perhaps most profoundly, Mary will be remembered for her enduring love of her church and her unwavering Catholic faith. For more than 45 years, she devoted herself to serving the church community at Our Lady of the Mother Church in Woodcliff Lake, and other smaller parishes once she had moved.

Mary loved being an active part of the church, participating in toy drives, fundraisers, and other efforts that brought joy and support to those around her. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and the example she set through her devotion and service will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Psalm 73:24

“And afterward you will receive me into glory.”

Mary always loved having flowers planted at the cemetery for her family throughout the years. To honor her wishes, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of traditional floral arrangements, you consider making a contribution toward planting flowers at her final resting place.

In doing so, you will help fulfill Mary‘s wish of having beautiful flowers growing at her gravesite throughout the year – a lasting and meaningful tribute to her.

Please call Ramsey Nursery, and John will assist you in preparing a gift card. All contributions will be shared with the family.

Ramsey Nursery

201-942-9669

Visitation will be held at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, US, on September 24, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady Mother of the Church, 209 Woodcliff Ave, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, US, on September 24, 2026, from 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430, US, on September 24, 2026, from 12:30 pm

A repast will follow at Fino Ristorante, 114 W Allendale Ave., Allendale, NJ.