Obituary of Mara Begley

Mara Begley, Most Amazing Mother, Nani & Friend To All! Mara Begley, 87 years young, went on to her next adventure on Friday, October 27 but not without touching the hearts of everyone she came in contact with along life's journey. Born in New York City and baptized at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Mara grew up in Brooklyn alongside her big sister and best friend Diane Fernandes, who predeceased her in 2006. In 1950 Mara started working on Wall Street and was lucky enough to get the opportunity to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Shortly thereafter Mara married Jack Begley and became mother to Kathleen Begley Higley and Robert Begley. In 1969 Mara & Jack travelled over the Verrazano Bridge and settled in Union ,NJ to raise their family and be closer to her new born nephew Robert Fernandes whom she adored. In Union, Mara met Shirley Ehrhart & Terry Weinbuch who became cherished friends. After the passing of her husband in 1982, Mara became a job placement manager at Roberts Walsh Business School for 6 years followed by a 20 year career at Lord & Taylor where again she quickly developed friendships and grew customer loyalty. Some of her greatest joys were traveling through Europe with her sister Diane, attending her daughter's wedding to William Higley (whom she loved as a son) and becoming grandmother to her "kids" Bill Higley and Laura Higley. In 1994 she moved to Basking Ridge to become a Full-Time: Live-In Nani, Household Manager, Cook, Hostess, Counselor, Chauffeur, Facebook Devotee, Baseball, Boy Scout, Hockey, Soccer, Dance & Barn Fan, as well as friend to every child, parent and neighbor who were fortunate to enjoy a great meal, drink or a laugh with her. At Mara's request, a celebration of her life was held on November 11 in the form of a cocktail and dinner party where family and close friends remembered this wonderful woman. A special thank you goes to her brilliant oncologist Dr. David Gallinson, who gave us more years with Mara than we thought possible. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle for the family please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com Mara's final internment took place on November 27 with her immediate family at Hollywood Memorial Park & Cemetery, Union, NJ. If Mara entered your life consider yourself so very, very fortunate...her honesty, sincerity, compassion and wit made her one heck of an unbelievable woman who will never be forgotten and loved forever by so many.