Mary Fussell

Mary Fussell, was born on May 13, 1929 to Jeannie Mae Axam and Nathan Paterson. She spent her formative years being raised by her grandmother, Eliza Mary Paterson, in East NY/Spanish Harlem as she would say. At the age of 21 she came to Newark, NJ where she worked as a waitress at the Kenny Building drugstore in downtown Newark. It was there that she met her future husband, Leonard Fussell. The two married and had two children Jacequline (Jackie) and Jennie. Mary lived a life of service and worked various jobs throughout her long career in the hospitality industry. She even ventured into business ownership as a co-owner/partner of the E and M Restaurant in East Orange, NJ with her best friend, Ethel Armstead. For 12 years she enjoyed working as bartender/mixologist at Newark International Airport before eventually retiring in 1989 to care for her ailing husband until he passed in 1991. In 1992 she went back to work doing what she loved most cooking and feeding people. She was the Cook for the Blessed Sacrament Church Rectory, but it is here where they "fed her soul". She committed her life to the Lord, was baptized and became a good and faithful servant. She served on the Bereavement Committee and volunteered as the Food Pantry Coordinator up until this past March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While we may question many things in life, some things are for certain like Marys undying love for the Lord, her Family, and her Church. Mary was known by many names: Aunt Mary, Ms. Mary, Mommy, Mom, Ma, Grandma and most affectionately, Nana. Mary was grace personified; she was sweet and sassy, but she would fuss you out in a minute. Feel honored if she ever fussed you out because that meant she cared. Just like her home, her heart was open to anyone who entered her life. She was truly an Angel on Earth and she made everyone feel special. Her spirit was magnetic! Mary, always a warrior and survivor battled cancer twice and won! While she certainly was an "undisputed" champion, she alas was not undefeated as she passed unexpectedly on the evening on November 18, 2020 at Inglemoor Rehabilitation & Care center after a brief hospitalization after being diagnosed with pneumonia among other things. She was due to be released in days but the Lord had other plans. He saw she was tired and called her to her heavenly home. She peacefully transitioned as her daughter, Jennie, was by her side holding her hand as she took her last breath. Mary was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. Her death has devastated everyone that knew and loved her, but her legacy will endure for generations yet to come. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Leonard Fussell and her son, Leonard Fussell. She leaves behind to cherish her legacy, her children, Carlton, Gladys, Jerome, Jackie, Jennie Fussell and daughter-in-law, Barbara; Grandchildren William Sampson, Kimberly, Lasheka, Kaberia and Daniel Fussell, Jessica Jackson (Willie, Jerome, Leonard). Great Grandchildren: Jazzmin, Janae, Nasir, Leonard (LB), Rachel, Ianna, Azeria and a host more; Great-Great Grandchildren: Kymari, Kristian and Kymani; Her other Children/Friends: Cheryl Stewart-Tisdale, Bonita Abrams, Shelley Fleming, Helen Brooks and many of her 278 Orange Ave family.