Agostina Maria Viola - Palmieri

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Agostina Maria Viola - Palmieri, who left this world on January 12, 2025. She was 88 years old and a resident of Orange, NJ, for 50 years. Maria passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born and raised in Alberona, Italy, and came to America in 1974 with her husband, Vincenzo, and their two children, Maria and Luigi. Proud of the American dream, their family grew, and in 1975, their family was complete when they welcomed their son, Vincent.

Maria and her family arrived in America via JFK Airport. While on the Parkway for the first time, they saw the sign, “The Oranges,” and knew they were home.

Maria worked tirelessly her entire life to build a life for her loved ones, while never forgetting her roots. She worked at a coat factory for several years before working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Orange, NJ, where she was known as Tina, until its closure. She then worked for St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, NJ, for 25 years, until her retirement. She was known for her hard work, kindness toward patients, and numerous recognitions.

Maria’s greatest purpose in life was to keep her family happy and together.

She loved cooking and baking and lived for her family Sunday dinners, where family and friends gathered to share food, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. The door to Maria’s house was always open for family, friends, or pets whom she cared for with a warm meal and love.

She enjoyed her oleander trees and could never have too many rose bushes, flowers, or plants. She loved her fruit trees, especially her fig and persimmon trees, and shared her harvest with anyone and everyone.

She was a devoted mother to Maria Viola - Garcia, and her husband, Nestor; Luigi Viola, and his wife, Donna; and Vincent Viola. Cherished Nonna of Lelia Topalanchik, and her husband, Matthew; Kristin Evans, and her husband, Jason; and Katelyn Sceusa, and her husband, Christopher. Proud great-grandmother of Joseph Garcia, Anthony and Nicholas Topalanchik, and Vincent and Giancarlo Evans. Maria was also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Agostina was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Pasquale Forgione and Orazio Palmieri, and her beloved grandson, Raul Luigi Garcia.

Her legacy of determination, courage, strength, and deep love for family will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky to have known her.

“Rest in the sweetest peace, Nonna. You will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.”

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Thursday, January 16th from 4-8pm.  Funeral on Friday, January 17th, assembling at the funeral home at 9:15am, followed by the funeral mass at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Orange at 11am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in E. Hanover.

Donations can be made in Maria’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, see donation box below for details….

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