Obituary of Mary Ann Gwiazda
Mary Ann (Danek) Gwiazda passed away peacefully on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Center for Hope Hospice Care in Scotch Plains surrounded by loved ones. After being a widow for 55 years she will once again be united with the love of her life.
Born in Plainfield, NJ, Mary Ann was the eldest of three children born to the late William Danek Sr. and Amelia (Keiderling) Danek. She grew up in Plainfield and after being widowed in 1968 she devoted her life to raising her only child Glenn. Mary Ann later settled in Middlesex, NJ where she provided a stable and loving home. After retirement, she later moved to South Plainfield, NJ to be closer to her son and his family.
Mary Ann was a proud alumnus of both Saint Mary's School in Plainfield and Plainfield High School.
Mary Ann was a dedicated educator who touched the lives of so many students and faculty. Mary Ann was a Teacher's Assistant for the Special Education Department at both Pierce and Hazelwood Schools for the Middlesex Board of Education for 35 years, before her retirement.
Mary Ann's love for children and the elderly was a passion of hers that she enjoyed throughout her life.
She was always willing to stop everything to care for a loved one in need or provide childcare for family and friends, especially her beloved grandchildren. Family was the world to her and she always looked forward to gatherings that included her brother, brothers-in-law, sister, sisters-in-law, and close cousins.
She was extremely proud of her two grandchildren and took much joy in supporting Bobby at his 4-H train shows and attending Sarah's dance recitals and competitions. She could often be seen wearing the clothing of Duquesne University or Muhlenberg College where her grandchildren attended, for which she was so proud. She was an avid fan of Rutgers basketball and football teams and always enjoyed attending their games or watching on TV.
Predeceased by her parents and her husband the late F. Robert Gwiazda, she is survived by her loving son Glenn Gwiazda and his wife Susan of South Plainfield; grandchildren Robert and Sarah Gwiazda; her brother William Danek Jr. and his wife Nancy; sister Nancy LePoidevin and her husband Fred; brother and sister-in-law Ron and Barbara Gwiazda; and many extremely close cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Visitation will be held at South Plainfield Funeral Home, 2456 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 5 PM to 9 PM.
A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart RC Church, 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 10 AM. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home beginning at 9 AM.
Following mass Mary Ann will be laid to rest at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the New Jersey Special Olympics.