Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Wojtal

Mary Elizabeth Wojtal, (nee Ritzler), formerly of Verona, died peacefully in her sleep on June 22, 2016. She was born in Rochester, NY on November 4, 1920, to Marie Louise Ritzler(nee Donnelly) and William Ritzler. She lived in Albany, NY, where she met her husband, Edward S. Wojtal, Jr. They moved to Babylon, NY before relocating to Verona, NJ. They were married for 50 years. She had 12 children, Edward S., III (Christine), Mary Ann Hyland (Kevin), Thomas (Margaret), James (Maureen), Michael (Carol), Christopher (Tina), Peter (Agnes), Jean Brezinski (Chuck), Ellen Daher (Roy), Anne Marie, John (Mary Anne), and Elizabeth (Sandy), 24 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Jean Pokorney, brother Norman, as well as her husband, daughter Anne Marie, sons James and Edward, son in law Kevin Hyland, and daughters in law Margaret and Christine. She was a volunteer for many years at the Service League of Verona, a member of the Verona Garden Club where she served as president, and a member of the Our Lady of the Lake Church Choir. She loved to cook for her family, calling it her artistic outlet. Her greatest joy was raising her children and she enjoyed welcoming friends and family into their home. She will be remembered for her warmth, elegance and great devotion to her Catholic faith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception High School Scholarship Fund, 33 Cottage Place Montclair, NJ 07042.