Obituary of Margaret Mary Omert

Margaret Mary Omert, nee Chiusano, known in the entertainment world as Margie Raye, went home to her heavenly father, as she would say, on May 13, 2017. Born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Anthony and Anna Chiusano, she had resided in Piscataway, New Jersey for most of her life. When she first came to New Jersey, Margie began her 60-year career as a talented pianist, organ player and singer by entertaining troops stationed at Camp Kilmer during the evening and working at Mack Truck during the day during WWII. She continued entertaining at restaurants throughout central New Jersey and brought joy to a large following of fans that went to see her wherever she played including: Herm's in South Plainfield, The White Lantern, Mrs. D's and The Stage House Inn both in Scotch Plains and Patulo's in Bound Brook as well as many others. She was written up in the March 1979 issue of New Jersey Magazine as the Best Piano Bar Entertainer in New Jersey. A lifelong achiever, Margie inspired others by earning her GED at the age of 67 and was the commencement speaker at her graduation. She overcame her fear of water at the age of 70 and learned to swim. Because of life events, she had to forgo a scholarship to Julliard but always dreamt of performing in an opera. That dream finally came true at the age of 72 after she auditioned for and landed a role with the New Jersey Opera Chorus and performed in Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci. Margie was known to be a spiritual and emotional mentor to many and made long lasting, loving friendships during her years as a member of various religious and self-help support groups. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Ladislaus Edward Omert in 2001. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she is survived by her loving children, Sondra Saunders and Edward Anthony Omert and wife Barbara, her cherished granddaughter Melanie Rudy and husband David, her very dear great grandchildren, Anna Rose and Dylan Rudy, her loving sister Josephine Molinari and many extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00PM at the Piscataway Funeral Home 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 8:30AM at the funeral home on Friday, May 19, 2017 before a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 317 1st Street, Dunellen. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park Mausoleum, Piscataway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Margie's memory to the Westie Foundation of America, 33101 44th Ave NW, Stanwood, WA 98292 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN