Amelia “Missy” Pizza, 68, of Toms River passed away on September 20. Her adoring, beloved mother, Dolly Pizza, was at her side, as she had been every day of her life.

Missy had a myriad of physical health challenges that began when she was born and lasted throughout her life. Challenges that would understandably cause anyone to face life with some measure of bitterness, regret, and sadness. Missy exhibited none of those emotions. Instead, through God’s grace and the unending love and devotion of her mother, along with the love and support of her father and brother, as well as the rest of her family, Missy faced life with nothing but love, joy, selflessness and kindness.

Missy truly loved and cherished her family, and every person she met became an instant friend. She enjoyed parties, holidays, and any social gathering. Her pure innocence and ability to find the simple joy in life was like a magnet that attracted everyone to her. Anyone who ever met Missy was forever touched by her constant smile, laughter, and unbreakable spirit that could fill even the largest of rooms. Although we are so saddened by her loss, we take solace in knowing she is now able to not only walk, but run through the fields and valleys of heaven, along the sandy shores and anywhere else her heart and mind can dream to soar.

Surviving are her beloved mother, Ann “Dolly” Pizza; aunts Catherine Gallucci and Betty McVeigh; and cousins John Gallucci, Seth Gallucci, Arielle Gallucci, Gemma Gallucci, Debbie Gallucci, Michael Gallucci, Sonia Paulsen, Basil Palma, Angela Slater, Delaney Slater, Tina Gallucci, Michele Gallucci, Thomas Christopher and Maria Gallucci, Jimmy Palma, Gregory Palma, Nicky Palma, Patty Friedrich, Maria Shaw, and Roseann Longo; Predeceased by her loving father Charlie Pizza and brother Joey Pizza; grandmother Frances Gallucci and grandfather Thomas Gallucci; uncles Tom Gallucci, Jr. and Pat Gallucci; and cousins Tom Gallucci lll, Franny Gallucci, and Tommy Gallucci IV.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 6-9 pm at Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Road, Manchester.

The service will be subject to social distance restrictions, including the requirement of a mask for all visitors. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at St. John’s Church, 619 Chestnut Street, Lakehurst, followed by burial and internment at George Washington Memorial Park cemetery in Paramus.