Obituary of Mary E. Grace

Mary E. Grace (née Phillippi), of Madison and formerly a lifelong Summit resident, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Pine Acres in Madison. Mary recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Patrica Snyder of Madison; one granddaughter, Stacey Dooley and her husband Edward of Madison; her two cherished great-grandchildren, Emma and Shawn Dooley, & by many nieces, great-nieces, nephews & great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her beloved ex-husband, Pasquale Grace; her son-in-law, Roger P. Snyder; five brothers, Joe, Carmen,  Salvatore “Sedgie”, Frank & John Phillippi; and two sisters, Anna & Frances Phillippi.

Mary was born in Summit in 1925 to the late Giacomo and Thomasina Phillippi. She was raised in a close-knit Italian family with her seven siblings. From a young age they were instilled with a devout faith, respect for others and the value of hard work. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila Church where she received all of her sacraments and was eventually married to her ex-husband Pasquale. 

Mary had a long career as an administrative assistant working at HPM Insurance, Force Machinery both in Union & eventually with the Ruh Agency in Summit, before retiring many years ago. 

Mary’s family was everything to her. She  worked hard to provide a good life for her family. Mary loved her granddaughter & great-grandchildren deeply and was very close with her sisters Anna & Frances.

Mary enjoyed dancing and was always ready to have a good party. She also enjoyed going to bingo. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family and friends. Mary enjoyed drinking many cups of Eight O’Clock coffee, while she dunked her cookies.

Mary moved to Madison 15 years ago from Summit to be closer to her family in her advanced age. She became a parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church and enjoyed living in Madison very much. 

Mary was a gentle soul who had a heart of gold. She lived a good, honest life and gave back with her entire heart. Although she will be deeply missed, we take peace in knowing Mary is with the Lord, and many others she loved deeply. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Mary to be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 followed by Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

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

Charitable contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.