Obituary

Mary Stack Gaspar passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2022.

Born on January 29th, 1940 in Hoboken, New Jersey.

She would soon go on to become an integral part of the city. She attended St. Peter and Paul grammar school, and Lacodaire Academy in Upper Montclair. At Lacodaire, she thrived as a star player of her High School basketball team. She went on to graduate from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City, with a degree in Fashion Merchandising.

During Mary’s sixty years in Hoboken, she was an icon and trailblazer amongst the community. A role model for many, she was the First Woman appointed/elected as Commissioner to the ABC Board, The Hoboken Board of Education, and The Hoboken Public Library Board of Trustees. She helped transform Hoboken PAL Football and was the President of the Siena Club.

Mary was also the recipient of the Jersey Journal Woman of Achievement Award, and eventually ran for the NJ State Assembly.

While raising her six children she worked at Stevens Institute of Technology as the assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs and was the first woman to serve as faculty advisor to Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity on campus.

Mary’s achievements exemplify a woman who was a change-maker and problem solver. She was never afraid to make herself heard by offering her opinion or wisdom. She was the best storyteller with a quick wit sure to make you laugh. She did everything with tremendous grace, humility, and strength.

Her impact on people’s lives is astounding– if you knew her, you loved her. Mary will be sorely missed, as she was one of a kind. She looked forward to her weekly bridge games and her time at the pool with her dear friends.

Mary was unapologetically authentic, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. She was the most special person to those who had the honor to know her.

Mary is predeceased by her husband George G, her son Andrew, her son-in-law Peter J McIntyre her granddaughter Caitlyn McIntyre; her Parents Edward M; Marguerite Stack (nee Gautier); her siblings: Maurice J Stack, Teresa Pflugh, William J Stack, and Margaret Coolahan.

She is survived by her children Marguerite McIntyre, Catherine Bowidowicz (James), George M. Gaspar (Gabriella), Mary Gaspar-Hillenbrand (Otto) and Teresa Gaspar. She has 12 beloved grandchildren; Sean, Shannon, Devon, and Megan McIntyre; Andrew and wife Jennifer, Michael and Daniel Bowidowicz; Isabella and George G. Gaspar; Christen, Alex, and Ryann Hillenbrand, and many loved nieces and nephews.

The Funeral mass will be offered at St. Ann’s RC Church in Hoboken on Thursday, August 11th at 11am.

Private Cremation to follow.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 10th from 3pm to 8pm at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Hoboken Homeless Shelter.

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