Obituary of ANNE NANCY PONTRELLA

Anne Pontrella, affectionately known as Nancy, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old. Nancy was born in Newark and raised in Belleville. She attended St. Peter's Elementary School in Belleville and St. Cecilia's HS in Kearny. Anne graduated from St. Joseph's Hospital Nursing School as a Registered Nurse where her career took her to Mountainside Hospital where she was a head nurse and at St. Michael's Hospital. While raising her family in Belleville, Nancy was a very active parishioner of St. Peter's Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister. After moving from Belleville to Montville 18 years ago, Nancy continued serving the Church at St. Pius X in the Rosary Society. She also was a member of the Montville Seniors. Nancy married James Pontrella in 1953 and the couple began a love affair that lasted 66 years. Over those 66 years Anne raised four children, who then gave her 10 grandchildren and those grandchildren gave her two great grandchildren and counting, ensuring Nancy's legacy through her family. For Nancy it was all about family. Her favorite pastime was "family time". She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a doting grandmother. After raising her family in Belleville, Nancy came to Monville 18 years ago. Nancy always was smiling, she would greet people with her signature saying, "Mornin' Sugar Plum" and her great smile. It was infectious, she would say this and together with her smile this would brighten up anyone's day to whom she greeted. Nancy really lived life to the fullest. Reading, traveling to Ireland, Italy, Alaska, & cruising the Caribbean. She also enjoyed going out to dinner and shopping. Nancy was predeceased by: her parents; James & Anne McLoughlin and her brother Martin McLoughlin. Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, James Pontrella, Her sons; James Pontrella, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Whippany, John Pontrella and his wife Mary of Nutley, her daughters; Mary Lansmann and her husband Richard of Palm Harbor, FL, Anne Soliman and her husband Michael of Pine Brook. Her brother James McLoughin (Akiko) of Carlsbad, CA. Grandchildren; James & Sharon's children; Caitlin Pontrella, Megan LoBello and her husband Vincent, and Samantha Pontrella. husband Michael, John & Mary's children; Laura Ritacco and her husband Patsy, Amy DeMunno and her and David Pontrella. Mary & Richard's children; Sarah Lansmann & Jenna Lansmann. Anne & Michael's children; Colleen Bucsko and her husband Charles, and Alexander Soliman. Two great-grandchildren; Anna Lansmann & Allison Ritacco. As well as her in laws; George Pontrella, Helen Pontrella, George Gugliotta (Marge) and Helen Smith, in addition to many nieces & nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Nancy's name to: Atlantic Hospice - Morristown 465 South St. Suite 100B Morristown, NJ 07960