Mary I. DiDonato

Middlesex Borough, NJ – Mary I. “Mirene” DiDonato, 81, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 as a resident of Parker at Somerset with her family by her side. Mirene was born in York, PA to the late Cletus and Helen Mayer. She was raised in Gettysburg, PA graduating from Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown, PA in 1961. After high school, she attended St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Lancaster, PA, graduating in 1964. After graduating, she moved to New Jersey for employment, finding Middlesex Borough, calling it home for over 55 years.

Mirene was a proud Registered Nurse for 50+ years. She worked at various hospitals, including Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, NJ, JFK Hospital, Edison, NJ and Robert W. Johnson Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ. In the latter part of her career, she found her passion in private-duty nursing, and being an educator. She taught nursing skills to new home health-aides, while being employed at various hospice care service companies, such as Nursefinders, Center of Hope Hospice, and Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), before retiring in 2015.

She was a devout parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church in Middlesex Borough, and involved as a Communicant and member of the Altar Rosary Society.

Mirene volunteered in her spare-time with the various organizations. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 306, Middlesex Fire Departments, Lincoln Hose Co #1 Ladies Auxiliary, Boy Scouts of America Pack 222 and Middlesex Elks BPOE #1488. She enjoyed attending social events with her many friends and family. She was a beloved mother and grandmother “Meme”, and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Mirene is predeceased by her loving husband, Lee DiDonato of over 23 years (1970-1993).

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving children, Edward L. DiDonato, Helena M. Gaither and husband, Sean, of Middlesex Borough, Lee J. DiDonato, Mary DiDonato-Chosney and her husband, Mark, and Michael Yarussi. Meme’s grandchildren, Haydyn L. Gaither, Devlyn L. Gaither, Tricia Chosney, Ashley Chosney-Sweder, Jamie DiDonato-Santos, Lee DiDonato Jr., and many loved great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-7PM, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 with a funeral service at 6:30PM at the funeral home. Cremation will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 306 or Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Altar Rosary Society.

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