Plan for the Future
Mary M. Nolan, of Chatham Township, New Jersey, passed away on January 13, 2020, at her home and surrounded by her family, following a 15 year struggle with illness. Mary was born on October 28, 1940 on Staten Island, NY to Josephine (Maglio) and John J. Bruno. On October 7, 1961, she married Richard T. Nolan, Sr. of Staten Island, NY. Together, they raised two children, Carol Nolan-Petronella and Richard T. Nolan, Jr.
Mary was graduated in 1958 from Saint Joseph Hill Academy, Staten Island, NY, and, thereafter, from St. Vincent Hospital School of Medical Technology, NYC, NY. She attended the City University – College of Staten Island continuing education program. Mary was employed as a medical technician by: Nathanael M. Fedde, Clinical Laboratory, Staten Island, NY; Hoechst Celanese, Summit, NJ; and Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Bridgewater, NJ.
In 1983, Mary and her family relocated from Staten Island to Chatham Township, where she resided for 37 years.
Mary volunteered for various community organizations, including Susan G. Komen, North Jersey, and Corpus Christi Parish, where she was a parishioner for 37 years and, among other volunteer activities at the parish, served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also supported her husband’s volunteer work on behalf of the Parcel’s Council of the Knights of Columbus and continued such work after her husband’s death. Prior to relocating to Chatham Township, Mary was a long-time volunteer at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home on Staten Island; and supported Girl Scouting as well as her children’s grammar school, Blessed Sacrament School, through her work on behalf of the Mothers’ Guild and its annual Holiday Fair.
Together with her extended family, Mary was a long-time supporter of the former Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, as well as Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Saint Benedicta Parish and School, both on Staten Island.
In addition to being a parishioner at Corpus Christi Parish, Mary was a member of the Women’s Club of Chatham, the Healing Partners and the Tuesday’s Quilters – all in Chatham Township. With the support of her friends among the Tuesday’s Quilters, Mary in recent years became a talented and prolific quilter.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard, in 2002, as well as by her parents, John J. and Josephine Bruno, and her brother, John R. Bruno.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Carol Nolan-Petronella (John), of Long Valley, NJ, and her son, Richard T. Nolan, Jr. (Jennifer), of Madison, NJ, as well as her beloved grandchildren who brought her special joy in life: her grandson, Collin Petronella, and her granddaughter, Clare Nolan.
Mary also is survived by her sister, Rita Giovanucci (Aldo), of Tinton Falls, NJ, her sister, Barbara Bruno Buckley, of Staten Island, NY, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to either Susan G. Komen, North Jersey, Parsippany, NJ, or St. Joseph Hill Academy, Staten Island, NY (Attn: Sr. Josita) would be appreciated.
A Mass of Christian Burial shall be held at Corpus Christi Church, Chatham Township, NJ, at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 16, 2020, with a viewing at the Church prior to the Mass beginning at 9:30 am. An interment will follow at Fair Mount Cemetery, Chatham, NJ. For family and friends who live out-of-town, the funeral will be live streamed via https://corpuschristi.org/parish-livestream
