Emilia Maguire

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Emilia “Lia” Maguire (nee Barca) of Wayne, NJ.

Emilia was born in Paterson and was one of two children to Raffaele and Maria Barca.   She spent her formative years in Saddle Brook and as a teenager, her parents moved their family to North Haledon.  Lia attended Paramus Catholic High School graduating with the class of 1984.  Upon graduating from high school, she attended St Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ where she earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science.  In her mid-twenties, Lia accepted a position at Deloitte LLP and most recently worked in their Morristown, NJ office.  Exhibiting her strong work ethic, Lia advanced her responsibilities through the years and achieved the position of Managing Director.  Lia’s career at Deloitte spanned a period of more than thirty-three years until her retirement in November of 2024.  Lia was truly well respected and loved by her peers and colleagues throughout her career.

In 1993, Lia was introduced to her future husband, Bob Maguire by his friend and Lia’s neighbor. As Lia and Bob struck up a conversation, they were both surprised to realize they had grown up in the same neighborhood in Saddle Brook. The two marveled at how their paths had never crossed before. The more they talked, the deeper their connection grew.  As fate would have it, they fell in love.  On September 23, 1995, Lia and Bob became husband and wife exchanging wedding vows at St Anthony RC Church in Hawthorne, NJ.

The newlyweds bought a house in Wayne, NJ and have been there ever since.  Lia and Bob spent their entire married life in Wayne, building a warm and loving home where they raised their two daughters Marissa and Jenna.

For ten years, Lia was the Cheerleading Commissioner for the Wayne Boys and Girls Club.  Through Lia’s leadership and guidance, she more than tripled the participants in the Cheerleading program to more than three hundred girls.  Lia then proceeded to preside over the Wayne Hills High School Cheerleading Booster Club as well as the Competition Cheerleading Booster Club where she also enjoyed great success.   In addition, she ran the Wayne Hills High School Softball Booster Club for several years.

Lia was a take-charge kind of woman, “A Force of Nature”, known for her strong leadership skills and impeccable organization. Whether managing her career, planning events, or keeping her daily life in order, she thrived on structure and efficiency.  No matter what Lia got involved in, she was always “all in!” Lia also knew how to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. She had a deep love for the beach, owning a home in Lavallette, NJ.  She spent countless days soaking up the sun, taking long walks along the shore, spending time with close friends and listening to her favorite country music.

Aside from all of Lia’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Lia than providing for and spending time with her friends and family.  She loved and provided great care for her mother and loved her brother and sister-in-law with all her heart.   She had a very special bond with her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that brought her tremendous joy.  Her close friends were part of her extended family and she treasured their love and friendship.  She also loved traveling to Tuscaloosa Alabama to cheer on her daughter’s Alabama Crimson Tide football team and spending time with dear friends. She was a talented baker, famous by family and friends for her Christmas Cookies and her Birthday Cakes.  Lia and her husband Bob cherished thirty years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Lia will be forever remembered as a devoted wife and a loving and dedicated mother.  She had an immense pride in her daughters and her love and impact lives on in them.  She was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Lia is survived by her husband Bob Maguire of Wayne, NJ, two daughters; Marissa Maguire of Wayne, NJ and Jenna Maguire of Winston-Salem, NC, her mother Maria Barca of North Haledon, NJ, one brother Ralph Barca and his wife Sandy of North Haledon, NJ, four nephews; Ralphie Barca, John Iglesias, James Billera, and Vinny Maguire, her brother-in-law Vincent Maguire and his wife Kim, her sister-in-law Mary Billera, and many loving extended family members.  She was predeceased by her father Raffaele Barca.