November 2, 1934 - October 28, 2024

Mary Raba, beloved sister, aunt, and great-aunt, passed away peacefully just before her 90th birthday at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick on Monday, October 28, 2024. She was eighty-nine.

Mary was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, where she spent her early years and developed a love for her community. She briefly resided in the Arbor section of Piscataway and later enjoyed a long residence in Lebanon, before moving to Three Bridges.

Mary was a dedicated elementary school teacher, beginning her career in Plainfield and continuing her passion for education in Clinton Township, where she taught for many years before retiring. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from what was then Newark State College, now Kean University. A former member of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Plainfield, Mary maintained strong ties to her faith and her family’s church community.

In her earlier years, Mary embraced her love of travel, exploring the United States and Canada in her camper. She later found joy in attending community dances, where she loved going out and dancing with friends—one of her favorite pastimes. During Mary's retirement, she spent 20 years as a volunteer at Hunterdon Medical Center. Mary also shared a close bond with her cherished dog, Lady.

Mary is survived by her sister, Dolores Hicks; her nephew, John Hicks, and his wife, Linda; her nieces, Mariann Kret, and Cheryl Hicks; her great-nieces and nephews, Alison Kimmel and her husband, David, Brian Kret, and Jack Hicks; and her great-great-niece, Catherine Kimmel. She is predeceased by her brother-in-law, John R. Hicks; her nephew-in-law, Thomas Kret; her great-nephew, John Robert Hicks; and her longtime companion, Tom Laurienti.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, at Our Lady of the Mount Chapel, located at 167 Mount Bethel Road in Warren, New Jersey, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at noon. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Mary will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and former students, whose lives she touched throughout her years as a devoted teacher and loving family member.