Bertha Marie Gaffney (Maita) entered eternal rest on May 19, 2025, surrounded by many loving family members. Bertha was one of a kind and the most beautiful soul you could have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Born to Patrick and Alice Maita on June 12, 1947, in Kearny, NJ, Bertha was raised in Bayonne, NJ, where she attended Assumption School. There, she made and maintained lifelong friendships with most of her kindergarten class (a very unique accomplishment). She went on to attend Bayonne High, where, at a CYO dance, she met and fell in love with her husband and forever love, James.

Bertha and James moved to Staten Island shortly after marrying but never ventured far from their roots in Bayonne, and spent almost every Sunday surrounded by family around Alice's (Nanny's) dinner table. Bertha and James went on to have three wonderful daughters who cherished their early years with their amazing mom, who made their childhood nothing short of perfect and special. As the years went on, she continued her magic with her eight adoring grandchildren and, most recently, her new great-grandbaby Patrick, who gave her happiness beyond measure in her last few months of life.

Bertha is survived by her adoring husband, James, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Linda Esposito, who was by her side throughout life—especially during the last leg of her journey—and gave her strength and laughter when she needed it most. Bertha is predeceased by her beautiful sister, Patricia Savo, who we know she is reunited with in heaven. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, John Esposito and Mike Savo, who gave her so much love throughout her years; they were truly her brothers and a great support system as well.

Bertha has left an enormous hole in the hearts of her three adoring daughters and sons-in-law: Alicia Wodzinski (Christopher), Eva Casazza (Steve), and Jackie Young (Brian), who are simply amazed by the sheer amount of courage and grace displayed by their beautiful mother and hero. She will continue to be an inspiration to them, as well as to her loving grandchildren: Shaun (Kate), Rebecca (James), Elizabeth, Emily, Corinne, Joseph, Jack, and Madelyn. They truly thought she was the greatest!

She was also blessed with her goddaughter Jessica Savo, her niece Alison Savo, and her great-niece Analysa Savo, as well as many other sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends who brought her great joy throughout the years.

Although someone as special as her is hard to describe in words alone, to put it simply—Bertha's family and friends were her entire world. She never met a stranger; she could make friends with anybody, anytime, anywhere. Food was her love language—if you ever experienced Bertha's baking, you could feel the love in every bite (especially her cookies… nothing could top them). Her recipes will live on and bring smiles for generations.

She loved Christmas… really any holiday, but Christmas was special. Christmas was family, food, and Jesus—she couldn't ask for anything more. She was truly a fighter, the bravest person you could meet, the heart of her family, and now their loving guardian angel.

The loss of Bertha will be felt deeply in the hearts of everyone who knew her—from her closest neighbors to her lifelong friends, to her family that loved her more than words can say. To quote her favorite movie, It's a Wonderful Life: "Here's a toast to our wonderful Bertha, the richest woman in town."

Till we meet again.