Mary M. Cerbasi

Mary M. Cerbasi (née Culligan) of Norwood, New Jersey, passed away on June 8, 2026.

Mary was born on August 18, 1938, in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland, to Stephen and Ellen (née Kennedy) Culligan. Growing up in Kilrush, County Clare, she spent many cherished years with her family at her maternal grandmother's farm in Rushhill, Balla, County Mayo, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for family, faith, and the beauty of the Irish countryside.

In 1956, Mary immigrated to the United States, settling in West New York, New Jersey. She worked for the Ford Motor Company Parts Division in Teterboro, New Jersey, until 1964. Through her hard work, she helped bring her parents and siblings to the United States, creating new opportunities for her family.

Mary met the love of her life, John "Johnny" Cerbasi, in 1961 and they married in 1963. Together they made their home in Norwood, New Jersey, where they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage and raised their two beloved daughters.

Mary and Johnny treasured their time together outdoors with their family, spending many weekends camping at Uncle Pete's Campground in Phoenicia, New York. They enjoyed fishing in the Esopus Creek and exploring the beauty of the Catskill region, creating countless memories with the Roberts, Bocchino, and Terenzoni families.

Mary is predeceased by her devoted husband, John "Johnny" Cerbasi (2011); her parents, Stephen and Ellen Culligan; her sister, Anna "Nan" Mulcahy, and her husband, John Mulcahy; and her son-in-law, Frank X. Weston, Jr.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Mary Ellen Christiano and her husband, George, and Colleen Cerbasi-Weston. She was the beloved "Meema" of Ashly Hunken Sehovic and her husband, Isak, and the proud and loving great-grandmother of Isla Mary. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Mike Hunken.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to Judy and Elena, Mary’s beloved longtime caregivers, who cared for her with extraordinary love, compassion, and dedication until the very end. Their kindness and devotion brought comfort not only to Mary but to our entire family. Judy and Elena will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will always be considered part of our family. In a million lifetimes, we could never fully express our gratitude for all they have done. We are forever thankful that they came into our lives.

Mary was the cherished sister of Patrick Culligan and his wife, Marina. She is also survived by her dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, George "Murphy" Cerbasi, Marilyn Rouvrais, Rita Motz, and Teresa Culligan, as well as many loving cousins here and “back home” in Ireland.

Known affectionately as "Irish Aunt Mary," she was a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews on both the Culligan and Cerbasi sides of the family, all of whom she cherished deeply. Her warmth, generosity, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to family will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She was also predeceased by her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Nick and Virginia Cerbasi, Angie and Frank Marino, Vinny, Rose, and Louise Cerbasi, Joey and Audrey Cerbasi, Rocky and Gloria Cerbasi, Thea and Charlie MacKinnon, Mary "Mims" and Sal Giuffrida, Joan Cerbasi, Richie and Mary "Bootsie" Cerbasi, Jerry Rouvrais, and Janie and Robert Devault.

Mary was further predeceased by her beloved nieces and nephews: Denis "Denny" Mulcahy, Bernadette Giuffrida, Christopher "Chrissy" Beckers, Jr., Joseph "Bingo" Cerbasi, Joey Marino, Michael "Herbie" Cerbasi, and her godson, John MacKinnon.

Mary's life was defined by her love of family, her Irish roots, her strength, and her kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, resilience, and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday June 15th 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood NJ. Burial to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly, NJ. Family and friends will gather Sunday June 14th 4-7 PM at the Moritz Funeral Home in Closter, NJ.