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Madeline Brescia Graziano, devoted wife, mother

January 10, 2017

Madeline Marie (Brescia) Graziano passed away peacefully in Lewes, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 after a long illness.

Madeline was a remarkable woman in many ways, born to Lawrence and Marie Brescia in Jersey City, N.J., June 15, 1923. She is also predeceased by a sister, Delia Maresca, and survived by a brother, Anthony Brescia.

Madeline (affectionately called Mandy) attended business school and was employed at Westinghouse where she caught the eye of George Graziano. She recognized him as the "catch" that he was and eagerly began "keeping company." After World War II, the couple married and set up housekeeping in North Arlington, N.J., and later continued raising a family in Glen Rock, N.J.

Mandy and George were true soul mates. They were completely devoted to one another in a strong 68-year marriage, envied by many for their genuine affection for each other, and held hands right up until their last day together.

Madeline proudly raised three daughters who married three "Irish guys" whom she adored: Judith O'Reilly and husband John of Paramus N.J., Susan O'Doherty and her husband Jim of Lewes, and Linda McGrory and husband George of Danbury, Conn. Her grandchildren, Christine, Alison, Jason, George, James and Caitlin and their spouses will always remember her ability to "do it all" and do it with grace, talent and ease.

She was a loving great-grandma (Gigi) to eight boys: Dayton, Milo, Nick, Joe, Aidan, Shane, Luke and Mason.

Mandy was a devoted wife and mother, the picture of domesticity, who enjoyed cooking, baking and entertaining, known to host a great party (often themed). She and George were flawless dance partners, admired by many for their ability "cut a rug." She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and sewing, and made shopping a sport. She volunteered in Girl Scouts and in her daughters' schools, and was a parishioner of St. Catherine's Church in Glen Rock, N.J., for many years. She seemed to have invented multitasking and would squeeze as much as she could into every day with endless energy. She was equally as talented in her work life, and had a long career in the legal department at Liberty Mutual, Saddle Brook, N.J., where her co-workers became lifelong friends

Mandy enjoyed being in the midst of her extended family and loved the many adventures, outing and trips shared with her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews and her beloved mother-in-law Catherine LaCava Graziano as the matriarch of a wonderfully warm, fun-loving family.

Madeline will be cherished for the caring daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, friend and neighbor she was to so many who have treasured memories of many special times and traditions.

She had a zest for life, and no matter what came her way she believed that there was no sense in worrying about what was out of one's control. She truly lived in the moment. She has gifted us with a true legacy: her wisdom, talent, and great capacity for kindness and love. Forever in our hearts she will be.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catharine Roman Catholic Church, Glen Rock, Saturday, Feb. 4, at 9:30 a.m., with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, N.J. No flowers please.

Contributions are greatly appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/MadelineGraziano or mail to 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105, reference # 10886789.

Please visit Madeline Graziano’s Obituary and guest registry at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

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