Mary Elizabeth Palumbo

Mary Elizabeth Palumbo (née Skunda), 72, of Blackwood, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 27, 2026. Born May 16, 1953, Mary’s roots were deeply embedded in Bayonne and Jersey City, where she grew up and graduated from Snyder High School.

Mary devoted several years as a teacher’s aide with the Bayonne Board of Education, working at Lincoln and Washington Schools. She deeply loved her job, the children she cared for, and the colleagues with whom she shared her days. A faithful volunteer at St. Mary’s Church in Bayonne, Mary enjoyed helping with bingo and was an avid bowler for over a decade at the Knights of Columbus and Hudson Lanes.

Known for her warm, generous spirit, Mary had a beautiful way of making everyone she met feel special. She formed lasting friendships quickly and was always ready to lend a hand. Mary was cherished by many for her kindness, humor, and loving nature.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Patrick Palumbo; her daughter, Melissa; Kathryn Alvarado and Angel Sanchez; her special boys, Nicholas, Julian, and Gabriel; her beloved cat Muffin and guinea pig Peanut; Judy and Bert Kern, Nick and Patricia Palumbo and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at Migliaccio’s Funeral Home, 851 Broadway, Kennedy Blvd, NJ, on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM. A Catholic blessing will be offered during the evening visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in Mary’s honor.