Mary Belli

Mary Belli, age 103, of Pompton Plains and formerly of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2019.  She was the daughter of Judita and Bernardo Belli, of Clifton, NJ.

Mary was born and raised in Clifton where, after graduating from Clifton High School, she attended nursing school. She was a registered nurse with St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken where one of her more notable charges was caring for Frank Sinatra, Jr. at the time of his birth.

Mary met her husband-to-be, Justus Belli when they were in elementary school. After they married, they moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where Justus worked for the federal government in the General Accounting Office while Mary settled into her role as a homemaker. Eventually, they moved back to New Jersey and settled in Wayne, living there for many years.

Mary’s greatest joy was enjoying the company of family and friends.  Able to speak fluently in Italian, one of the highlights of her life was traveling to her parent’s hometown of San Vito di Cadore, Italy.  She also traveled extensively throughout Europe with her brother, John. She was a most beloved aunt to her niece and nephew, Anita and John.  Mary was like a second mother to them and when they were young, she would invite them to spend the summer with her in Alexandria, Virginia, always making sure those visits were very entertaining. She loved showing them all there was to see around Washington D.C.   Mary loved to cook and bake and those who knew her were happy recipients of her delicious Italian polenta and osso buco, and for dessert – the best chocolate cake and cheesecake in the world! After a long winter, Mary couldn’t wait to get outside to work in her gardens. As a result, Mary’s deck was resplendent with gorgeous red geraniums and fragrant basil.    

Embracing a strong faith in God, Mary was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne. Prior to moving to Wayne, she worshiped at Sacred Heart Church in Clifton. Mary was also devoted to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in North Haledon, also known as the Salesian Sisters, and their work in educating youth of all ages, serving the poor, and assisting women at risk. Two of Mary’s cousins served there and Mary opened her heart to them by bringing gifts, making regular financial donations, and even donating her car to them when she stopped driving.

Mary possessed a genuine sweetness and a truly kind and complimentary and generous spirit. She was always willing to do anything she could possibly do for anyone. A great listener, she would talk with you for hours on the phone if you needed her help.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Justus Belli; dear aunt of Anita and husband Michael Balabon of Marlton, John Belli of Cherry Hill and Sally Belli of Brick, two great nephews, Brian and Michael G. and one great niece, Jillian. She was also predeceased by her baby daughter, Judith Theresa Belli, and her brother, John Belli.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary’s name are asked to consider Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.