Obituary of Mary Artuso

Mary Artuso Passed October 24. 2021

Mary Artuso (nee Sullivan), cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-aunt, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2021, at Morristown Medical Center, at the age of 86.

Mary was a proud Canadian, born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on September 4, 1935. With her family, she relocated to Mendham, NJ in 1977, and then to Chester in 1980, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Mary was the beloved wife of Bruce Artuso, her devoted caregiver who dedicated his life to Mary’s needs and happiness. She was, and always will be, the cherished mother of Mary Ann Wilbur (Artuso), Michael Artuso and David Artuso (with Amy Medina, the beloved mother of their son, John Michael Artuso) and the “Aunt Mary” to her Sarnia family; Lynn, Leon, Jamie and Katie Vandenberg. She had also recently enjoyed reconnecting, via Facebook, with nieces Christine Artuso Chapel, Andrea Artuso, Karen Artuso and Jule Robinson, in Ontario, Canada.

Any friend of Mary’s knew that her grandchildren, Brian Wilbur, David Wilbur, Lisa Wilbur and John Michael Artuso, were her greatest blessings. Her love for “her babies” was unconditional, unwavering, and unmatched. What made Mary special however is that she was able to share that same love with everyone she met, from her students, to her coworkers, to her loving health care aides, and everyone in between. Mary was a constant beam of light and warmth, and is remembered as an angel by everyone who was blessed to meet her.

Mary also loved St. Joseph of the Mendhams Church and all the students of St. Joseph’s School. Known as “Mrs. Mary” to students and their families, her 37 year career as a teacher at the school gave her memories that lasted a lifetime. She took immense pride in the lives and successes of every single one of her now grown students. Mary had countless friends from Mendham, who remained loyal and loving throughout her life, inspiring and supporting her in countless ways.

Mary’s heart will always be in Ontario where she grew up, and later owned a beach home. The friendships she developed with her beach neighbors and friends gave her life, sunshine and happiness.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff of Morristown Medical Center and especially the dedicated staff at Holly Manor Care Center. Thank you for the loving care, kindness, and friendship you provided Mary and her family for so many years. You will never be forgotten.

Mary was predeceased by her father, Desmond Sullivan, mother Marie Sulivan, and sister Anne Sullivan Pacovsky.

The family would like to give special thanks to each and every friend of Mary’s on Facebook. There are no words to express how much these treasured relationships gave Mary strength, serenity, smiles, and truly a purpose in life.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 on Wednesday, October 27^th from 4-8pm.  A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, October 28^th  11am at St. Joseph Church, 8 W Main Street, Mendham, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider making a contribution to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, a cause very close to the family’s heart www.stjude.org Interment will be private for family only and will be held at a later date.