Obituary of Mary A. Prudente

Mary A. Prudente, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Chatham Hills. She was 98.

Mary is survived by her devoted and loving daughter, Phyllis Nunn and her husband Edward Nunn, Sr. of Madison; one grandson, Edward Nunn, Jr. and his wife Wendy; three cherished great grandchildren, Frank Nunn, Mary Nunn and Cathleen Nunn; four sisters, Jean Piano, Caroline Pezzino, Agnes Yuliano and Frances Caruso; many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph Prudente in 1983; one brother, John Terracciano; and three sisters, Filomena Prudente, Catherine Pendolino and Annette Brown.

Mary was born in Florham Park to the late John and Filomena Terracciano on June 3, 1925. She was one of nine Terracciano children, growing up in a large, loving family in the home which still stands in Florham Park. She received her sacraments at St. Vincent Martyr Church and was proud to be a life-long communicant.

Mary and Ralph were married in 1947 and settled in his hometown of Madison, and shortly after they welcomed their daughter Phyllis into the Prudente family.

Mary was a wonderful mother, proud grandmother and great grandmother, and her entire life was devoted to taking care of others. Mary expressed her love for family and friends through her cooking and hospitality. She especially loved to cook and bake for her family during the holidays and on special occasions. Seeing all of her family together brought great joy to her heart.

It was only natural that Mary had a career doing what she loved. She cooked for many years in several Madison public school cafeterias, King James Nursing Home in Chatham, Bell Labs in Murray Hill, and Drew University in Madison. She enjoyed going to work every day and took great pride in it. Mary also valued all the friendships she made along the way. She also worked part-time as a beautician, and in her retirement was a crossing guard in Florham Park, keeping kids safe.

Mary naturally made everyone feel special and loved. The entire family will cherish all the fond memories and the scores of “Aunt Mary stories” that the family will continue to share and treasure.

To know Mary was to truly love her. She lived a long and beautiful life, and leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will live on for generations within her family. May she Rest in Peace.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation for Mary on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream mass viewing.

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.