Mary Claire Giacomarra

Mrs. Mary Claire Downey Giacomarra, 79, entered the arms of the Lord, escorted by His heavenly angels on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Sunday, February 23rd from 1:00-5:00PM.  On Monday, February 24th at 9:45AM, everyone will start to gather directly at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church in Linden, where a funeral mass will be offered at 10:00AM.  The prayers of the committal will precede Mary Claire’s burial alongside her parents, in the family plot in Hazel Wood Cemetery in Colonia. 

Mary Claire, the daughter of the late Julia Willis Downey and the late Joseph Downey was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey  where her family resided for a few years prior to moving to Linden.  She spent most of her life in Linden before recently relocating to Toms River.  As often is the case, the naming of a child usually has great significance to her parents.  In Mary Claire’s case, when she was born, she was so tiny that no one thought that she would ever survive.  Her mother, Julia, a deeply religious woman, prayed to the Blessed Mother to watch over her child.  Consequently, Julia gave her youngest daughter the first name of “Mary” to honor our Blessed Mother and the middle name of “Claire” to honor the nurse who delivered her.  So, through her name of Mary Claire, the importance of prayer and the strength of the women in her life would always be remembered.

Mary Claire loved keeping busy by shopping at the malls and socializing with her friends, even if it was having a cup of coffee, sharing an afternoon lunch or attending meetings at the Linden Democratic Club.  Her artistic side came out in her enthusiasm for doing ceramics, often gifting her pieces to friends and family alike.  Mary Claire also enjoyed visiting the Jersey shore, where she could feel the cool breeze in her hair, the warmth of the sun on her face and the sand in between her toes, as she witnessed the beauty and the roar of the ocean.  

Mary Claire is survived by her husband of thirty-six years, Jerry Giacomarra; her three sisters, Dolores Mulhearn, Anne Rigby and Carolyn Sot and her husband, Edward; her numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and Mary Claire’s friends and neighbors.

Mary Claire had eyes that would twinkle as her smile with its devilish grin would light up her face.  She had a love that was pure, delightful and endless for everyone in her circle.  Mary Claire will be deeply missed, but she will be forever in our hearts.  May Mary Claire rest in eternal peace until we all meet again.

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