Marie Laganella

Marie Laganella (nee Polidoro) of Mahwah, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 18, 2025, at the age of 88.  

Marie was born in Paterson to the late Frank and Eugenia Polidoro and was one of three children.  She married the love of her life, John Laganella, sharing 63 years of a wonderful marriage together. Marie is predeceased by her sisters Carolyn and Barbara.

Marie was a devoted parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Mahwah since 1995 and was a greeter for several years. Her faith was a very important part of her life.

Everyone who knew Marie loved her.  She was kind, generous, and loving and always saw the good in everyone. She loved to entertain and cook for her family and friends.  Nothing made her happier than to set a beautifully decorated table with fresh flowers.  

After graduating high school Marie worked as a secretary for Wright Aeronautical and then for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company until her children were born.  When her children were grown, Marie worked for the Fenner and Esler Agency where she attained a Property and Casualty License and worked at the agency as an insurance agent.

Marie led a life filled with music.  She started playing the accordion as a young girl.  She played in Carnegie Hall in an accordion orchestra when she was 13 years old.  She also taught accordion lessons to young children and adults for many years.

Surviving are Marie’s devoted children, Laurie and her husband, Ken, John and his wife, Michele, and Frank and his wife Lynne.  Marie leaves her cherished grandchildren, John Michael, Nina, A.J. and his wife Addy, and Charlotte, and her great grandchildren, Alina and RJ.  Marie leaves 3 cherished step-grandchildren, Daniel, Megan, and Michael, and her great step-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Mallory. Marie also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Phyllis Laganella, and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

A funeral mass celebrating Marie’s life will be held on January 23, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church, 900 Darlington Ave., Mahwah.  The burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.

As an expression of sympathy, we ask that donations be made in Marie’s name to the American Cancer Society.

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