Mary "Marie" Northridge

Mary “Marie” Northridge (nee Conley), 92, of Florham Park, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022.

Born at home at 108 Readville Street in Hyde Park, Massachusetts on May 25, 1930.  Graduated from Boston’s High School of Practical Arts in 1948 and from the prestigious School of Nursing of the New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1951.

In May 1952, she and her husband Bill and infant son Jim departed Boston, taking the train to New Jersey.  Upon arrival, she carried the baby in her arms while Bill carried all their belongings and they found a third-floor attic apartment on Isabella Avenue in Irvington.

In 1955, the young family moved to Florham Park, into a newly constructed house on Keyes Street.  Over the decades, they became deeply rooted in the community.  With her husband serving as a local Scout leader and Little League coach, Marie also volunteered extensively, including at Holy Family church (serving as eucharistic minister), the Borough’s local assistance (welfare) board, and, most notably, for 55 years with the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad (serving as president and in other positions), as well as the Florham Park Historical Society.  As a squad crew chief for many years, she developed a well-deserved reputation as a commanding, authoritative presence at accident scenes.  She was especially proud of squad mates who continued their training and became paramedics, nurses or otherwise pursued medical careers.  She played the leading role in building the squad’s tradition of memorable Memorial Day services, a task which built upon her deep patriotism and love of country.  Her squad service coincided with that of her best friend, Joelyn Hoferer, and they were honored as grand marshals of the Borough’s Independence Day parade.

Worked as a registered nurse for more than sixty years, including stints at Ingleside Manor nursing home, All Souls Hospital, Morristown Memorial Hospital, and Drew University.  Also worked as the Registrar of Vital Statistics and Secretary for the Borough’s board of health.

Cheered for her favorite sports teams, including Boston’s teams (recalling courtship dates long ago of Bruin/Celtic doubleheaders at the old Boston Garden or Red Sox wins at Fenway) and any team her grandchildren were on.  Loved telling stories (and not allowing facts to necessarily ruin a good tale and thereby bringing into question whether a trip to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone was actually needed).  Loved to laugh and to dance, ready to party at any time.  With friends, she exercised an old-fashioned habit of hand-written notes and correspondence long after it fell out of fashion.  She was devoted to her family (enthusiastically embracing her role as matriarch of a sprawling clan).  But most of all, she was passionate about her faith, and her love of God was supreme.

Devoted mother of James Northridge (deceased; widow Sharon), Bruce Northridge (wife Joanne), Keith Northridge (wife Deborah), Kevin Northridge (wife Vicki), Michael Northridge (wife Sara Barakat), and Cindy Mendoza (husband Danny).  Cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Marie was pre-deceased by her husband William, her son James, her parents Martin and Mary, and her six siblings (Martin Jr., Frank, Gertrude, Esther, David, Joseph).

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Sunday from 1-4pm.  Funeral on Monday assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at Holy Family Church in Florham Park at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie’s name to the Florham Park Volunteer First Aid Squad, see donation box below for details.

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