Obituary of Mary Christina Cortese

Piscataway - Mary Christina Cortese, 89, died Saturday, September 10, 2016 at home. Born and raised in Plainfield, Mary resided in Scotch Plains and South Plainfield before settling to Piscataway in 1996. Mary retired from Mattel Toys in 2000 then continued to work in the South Plainfield and Piscataway McDonalds. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart RC Church. The family cook, Mary enjoyed having company over for a meal or just a cup of coffee. She enjoyed the time spent with her sisters, playing cards or taking trips to Atlantic City. She loved spending time with her family and will always be remembered as a strong and independent woman who loved life. Predeceased by six siblings, Angelina Festante, Salvatore, Michael and Clement Approvato, Jr. Minnie Tamponi and Antoniette (Bessie) McGonegal; surviving are her three children, Carmella Cortese of Linden, Ralph Cortese of Piscataway and Angela Sztuk of Flemington and two siblings, Josephine (Pip) Alparoneand Frank Approvato. She will also be missed by her five grandchildren, Michelle Ulitin-Hartpence, Kristin Cortese, Jessica Cortese, Ralph Cortese and Vincent Cortese. Family and friends may attend visitation on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 3-7PM in the South Plainfield Funeral Home, 2456 Plainfield Avenue South Plainfield NJ 07080. Funeral services will begin at 6PM. Cremation will follow privately.