Obituary of Mary J. DiAnthony

Mary J. DiAnthony (née Galanot), a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was 85.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Joseph DiAnthony; her cherished children Kathleen Kersey, Amy Kerr and her husband, Frank, and Joseph DiAnthony; her sisters Ann Edgley and Janis Marretta; her treasured grandchildren Michael, Nicholas, Taylor, Willem, Haley, and Mya; her best friend Maria Mackay; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Mary was born in Newark on May 3, 1937, to the late Ernest and Rosana Galanot (née Naso). She was raised in Newark, Belleville, and Irvington with her two sisters.

Mary married the love of her life Joseph DiAnthony on August 22, 1964. The couple relocated to Madison to start their own family. A generous and selfless couple, Mary and Joseph welcomed their three beloved children into their home via adoption. Mary was a loving and devoted mother, wife, and grandmother who took great pride in caring for and helping others.

Mary occasionally worked odd jobs when needed, but her main focus was always the care of her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and always made sure there was a full hot meal on the table every day with everything made from scratch. Her family fondly remembers her meatballs, stews, chicken cutlets, and rice pudding, among so many other dishes.

Mary like reading books and magazines and watching mystery TV shows, and she was a history buff with a special fondness for World War 2. She was a 57-year cancer fighter and her family will always remember her bravery and strength throughout her battle with her health and in her every day life. She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Mary on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 10:00AM on Friday, January 6, 2023.

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.