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Mary Paolazzi Obituary
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Mary was born in Jersey City and lived in Lyndhurst for 24 years. She married the love of her life, David Paolazzi, in 2000 and moved to North Arlington to a warm, joy-filled home and raised two wonderful sons, Michael and Stephen, who were the absolute light of her life.
Mary was a passionate, kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, most of that time spent at Nishuane Elementary School in Montclair. She loved her students as if they were her own, and they loved her right back. Her impact was felt far beyond the classroom walls.
Anyone who knew Mary could see how much she enjoyed life. She made you feel instantly at ease with her comforting smile and her warm personality. She truly loved being surrounded by family and friends. Her laughter, love and ability to make you feel special are the things that will be remembered the most.
Mary leaves behind her devoted husband of nearly 25 years, David, and their cherished sons, Michael and Stephen. She is also survived by her loving parents, James and Kathleen Zdanowicz (née Carlson), her dear sister Jill Rado and husband Todd, her in-laws Ernest and Carol Paolazzi, her brothers-in-law Greg Paolazzi (and wife Donna) and Tommy Paolazzi (and wife Leanne), and many adoring nieces and nephew - all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.
Family and friends are invited attend the visitation on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 1 to 5 PM at Nazare Memorial Home, 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ. On Monday, June 23, everyone is welcome to gather at the funeral home at 9 AM, followed by a 10 AM Funeral Mass at St. Michael's Church in Lyndhurst. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
Mary touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love - she will be missed more than words can say. You may express your condolences to Mary's family by using our tribute wall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Gabi Dennis
June 23, 2025
This has been incredibly hard to put into words... but even in the midst of deep sadness, my heart is full of gratitude.
Thank you, God, for Mary.
Mary Paolazzi was more than a colleague she was my friend she was a light. Despite the hardships she faced, she always greeted the world with a radiant smile and an ability to make you laugh even on the hardest days. She was brilliant, brave, compassionate, and full of joy. She uplifted, encouraged, and poured love into every student and soul around her.
To know Mary was to love her.
By the grace of God, her spirit lives on in every life she touched. I feel so blessed to have grown close to her these past few years. Her sunshine, her laughter, and her fierce love will never be forgotten.
I will miss her hugs. I will miss her presence. But I will carry her with me always.
May God continue to bless and comfort her family and loved ones during this time. Rest easy, Mary. You were truly one of a kind.
Love Gabi Dennis (Nish Fam)
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403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
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