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Maria Tutela Obituary

Maria Teressa Tutela, age 61, passed away on March 8th at her most special place, the Jersey shore, Beach Haven West. Now, I will tell you how she lived a life of service to others. Maria was born July 29, 1963, at Columbus hospital in Newark, NJ. From birth, Maria was kind, compassionate, and selfless. Even at birth she put others before herself, allowing her twin sister, Margarite, to depart the womb first. This selfless, empathetic trait would embody Maria for her entire life.
Maria's childhood began in Irvington, NJ, where she was raised by parents Joseph Tutela (deceased) and Jane Tutela (deceased) along with three sisters and one brother. After graduation from St. Paul the Apostle grammar school in Irvington, Maria attended Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains for three years. After her junior year, the family moved to Roseland, NJ, where she transferred to West Essex High School for her senior year. This transition proved difficult as friendships forged since freshman year were not available to Maria and her sister. As she did throughout her life Maria persevered and made the best of it and kept moving.
Maria attended Seton Hall University where she found her life vocation, teaching the children of the City of Newark. Throughout her award-winning teaching career, she was a nurturing motherly mentor to hundreds of children starting at 1st Avenue School in the city's North ward, followed by Speedway Avenue School in the West ward, and finally at George Washington Carver in the South Ward. Maria crafted a positive path for her kids and instilled in them the possibility that dreams could become reality through hard work and tenacity. These were the traits that carried Maria all through her life.
The inspirational guidance she provided her students throughout her career was evidenced by her occasionally running into her students, now successful adults, who would pause and thank Maria for pushing to achieve in life.
Maria was a time management magician juggling her teaching career, obtaining her master's in special education from Montclair State, working part time at Giant stadium for 25 years. and caring for a dying homebound grandfather. Wherever she went, Maria made lifelong friends, especially at Giant stadium where her best friend, also named Maria.
Maria will forever be lovingly remembered by her surviving siblings, sisters Tracy and Margarite, and brother Joseph. She was predeceased by her oldest sister, Jane Ann. Maria is also survived by her nieces and nephews, who received her limitless love and unconditional support. For them, Maria assumed many roles including mother, friend, and science teacher, conducting science experiments the adult children still brag about while the younger kids marveled in amazement. She was their college counselor and advisor, offering a hug or a shoulder to cry on when things did not go their way. The role she cherished the most was that of a loving aunt, who fought tirelessly for all of them. Maria's grieving nieces and nephews include Josh, Gina, Gianna, Joey, Gabrielle, Nicole, Daniella, Sal, Lisa, Devin, Olivia, Rocco, Nico and Gemma. They will be forever impacted by Maria's influence upon their lives.
As per Maria's request, there will be no funeral or service. The next time you find yourself on a beach anywhere in the world taking in the salty air and feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, I hope your thoughts turn to Maria and the impact she had upon your life. As the beach, any beach, was the most special place for Maria.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Star-Ledger from Mar. 13 to Mar. 14, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Maria Tutela

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Sergio D.

September 6, 2025

I will remember you. Always. May God have received you in his heaven. Your neibourg.

Sergio D.

Bobby Vogt

August 23, 2025

So sorry to hear. Thoughts and prayers to all. Respectfully Vogt family Gregg Drive BHW

Joseph Mendes

June 22, 2025

Mrs Tutela Was Absolutely Awesome!! She Was My Teacher At First Avenue In 97. She Was So Intelligent And I Loved Her Personality!! Know She Is Home Safe!! Sending You Lots Of Love And Light!!

Melanie Draughon

April 7, 2025

I'm sorry to hear of Maria's passing. We worked together for years at the Meadowlands. #RIP Maria. Fly high

Jacqueline Evans

April 3, 2025

I also worked at the Meadowlands with Maria. I remembered her kindness with others. And I was happy that she shared her love with the children from the Newark education area. Rest in peace, Maria.

Dennis Vitello

March 19, 2025

My condolences, I remember when you and your sister were born, living on Lincoln Place. I was at your house many times, even though I was older than you.
I will always remember the get togethers.
From all accounts you were well liked by everyone. Now the best reward has been received.
May God Bless you and your family.
Dennis Vitello

Marie iuzzolino

March 19, 2025

I remember you and your sister from st pauls I was class of 75 you graduated after me god bless marie elena pagano iuzzolino

Single Memorial Tree

Julie Merkin

Planted Trees

Anthony Janish

March 18, 2025

Dear Margarite
I am so sad to hear of your sisters passing ..what a kind beautiful genuine sincere individual.
I always thought it was so awesome how you her remembered me and my brother from kindergarten/ 1st grade in Irvington. I pray for you and your family..I am so sorry

Connie Spencer

March 17, 2025

To the Tutela family

I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Maria's passing. She was certainly a beautiful person. My uncle Frank Verducci loved her dearly and I know he will look out for her in Heaven. Rest in peace Maria.

Carmela (Dolly) Verducci

March 17, 2025

Dear Joe, Margarite, Tracy and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved sister Maria. I had the pleasure of meeting her once at a Verducci wedding, and she was a joy to know. My brothers Bruno and Frank will be there at Heaven's door to welcome her in. Rest in peace beautiful lady.

Carmela (Dolly) Verducci

Beth LaMagna

March 17, 2025

I was devastated to hear of Maria's passing. She and I became very fast friends at a Science workshop at NJIT many years ago. Over the years she became part of my family. Over the years our friendship grew and we shared families, happy times, sad times and great losses. She was always there for me and I for her. She had one of the biggest hearts ever. She was always there for her family. Their kids were her kids. I'm going to miss her. Love, Beth

Jimmy Tarullo

March 17, 2025

My Deepest Condolences. I worked with Maria and Jane at Giants Stadium and Byrne Arena. May They Rest In Peace.

Jimmy Tarullo

Iliana Melendez

March 17, 2025

Maria you were a beautiful person inside and out.

KevinBaxter

March 17, 2025

I met Maria this school year and had spoke time to time in the halls. Always a pleasure to speak to. She will be thought of often and missed. Condolences to her family and friends. Sincerely , Kevin Baxter

Eddie Cavanagh

March 15, 2025

Heartbroken is the only way to describe how I feel. I know I´m not alone. A dedicated teacher, a loyal friend and a devoted sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. Always a class act. I cherish the too short time we spent together. My prayers are with your dear family! God bless you all.

Dominick Munofo

March 15, 2025

Just heard the sad news about Maria. We worked together at the Meadowlands for a very long time. This obituary nailed it when it comes to her as a person. She made an impact on every person she came in contact with. My deepest condolences go out to her loving family. May she rest in peace.

Edward Howard

March 14, 2025

Maria was a co-worker at George Washington Carver Elementary. She always share a kind word and had a great love for her students. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed.

Warren Heiss

March 14, 2025

Maria was the kind of student every professor prays for. She was smart, receptive and motivated. Maria touched the lives of many young people
through her sensitivity and
teaching style. Maria was a gem.
She will be missed greatly by all
who knew her.

Ed Saggio

March 14, 2025

My condolences to the family. I met Maria when I started teaching at First Avenue School. I would occasionally run into her on the 11th Avenue Beach in Ship Bottom. She was a wonderful person.

Keith McElwee

March 14, 2025

So well said about the Maria we all knew and worked with at the Meadowlands. She made a definite impact on all her colleagues and patrons alike .
Maria will never leave our memories and hearts.
Rest easy on the big beautiful beach sweet lady. Sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
L2U,K

Laura Tyree

March 14, 2025

My condolences to your family. I first met Maria at the depot where we would deliver new papers. I would talk to Maria every morning. Over the years we began a friendship and changed my life and others as well. She was a giving person. Opened up her heart because she was just kind of person. If you need anything she was there.
Maria also loved her family. She always spoke about them in our morning conversations. She will be missed. She was my RIDE TO DIE SISTER and we were also known as
ANOTHER SISTER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER. I will continue to talk to Maria in prayer. Yes my friend I will see you again. Rest in peace.
When we sign off on our conversation we would say to one another. Have a great day, talk to you later and love you!

Your best friend Laura!

Carol Brown

March 14, 2025

Will never forget my childhood friend and all the fun we´ve had the last 50 years! Rest in Peace my friend. Until we meet again

Daiana Zayas Coutu

March 14, 2025

My condolences. Ms. Tutela was my 6th grade teacher. She was the best. I'm 43 now and stayed in contact with her for many years. It breaks my hurts for her passing. May she rest easy in paradise. Love always

Domenick Bizzarro

March 14, 2025

Maria was a teacher at 1st Avenue School. The fond memories of our neighborhood will never be forgotten. May God give the family and friends peace and comfort .

Mary ellen Matthews

March 13, 2025

Maria will never be forgotten.
Her heart was as big as the earth and the sun.
She was loved by all and I will miss her for a very long time.
My deepest sympathies to all of her family and other friends.

David Matthews

March 13, 2025

Dear friend, I take consolation in knowing you are in God's care...

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