Viola "Tootsie" (Pajer) Licari, 98, a long-time resident of Livingston, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024 in Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

Tootsie, as she was known to all, was born in Newark and was married to her childhood sweetheart, Andrew Licari for 72 years before his passing in 2021.  She received her R.N degree and worked at the former City Hospital in Newark until she became a stay-at-home mom.  During WWII, she volunteered with the American Red Cross and held various other jobs to assist in the war effort.

Tootsie was known for her kindness, generosity, devotion to and love of her family.  She is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Joseph Pajer, her brothers Joseph Payer and Daniel Pajer, her sisters Gertrude Bellantoni and Mary Vogler.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Christopher Barker, and her 3 grandchildren, Adam, Kristina and Andrew Barker, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Wednesday from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Thursday, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Philomena's Church in Livingston at 10am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.