Obituary of Alice K. Mamary

Alice Helen Mamary (nee Kattas), 96, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025. Alice's greatest joy was her family and was affectionally known as "Tata" to her 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Alice was born in Paterson, New Jersey on November 25th, 1928 to Elias and Adla Kattas where she spent her childhood and early adult life. She grew up with two older brothers George Kaytes and Joseph Kaytes, and her recently deceased, "Little Brother" Leo Kaytes with whom she was very close to until the last days of their lives. Alice met the love of her life, Samuel Mamary at St. George's Church of Paterson and was married on October 28th, 1948 for almost 63 years until his passing in 2011. Alice and Sam raised three loving children, Jim, Joyce and Glenn. They were rich with love for their family and each other. Alice was also very close with Sam's brothers and sisters in law, as well as her several nieces and nephews. She was the adoring grandmother of Brian Kwiatkowski, David Kwiatkowski, Alison Clough, James Mamary Jr., Jonathan Mamary, Joshua Mamary, J. Samuel Mamary, Nicholas Mamary, and Amanda Mamary. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren. Loving mother in law of Tom Kwaitkowski, Mary Catherine and Maureen.

Alice's second love to her family was cooking. She was known by everyone as preparing the most authentic and delectable Syrian food you have ever tasted. Alice and Sam would grow their own grape leaves in their backyard in Little Falls. You could drop in unannounced and in minutes Alice would have a full spread on the dining room table. No one ever left her home hungry. Alice's family was grateful for her gracious hosting and superb preparation of the multi-course meals served at every holiday each year well into her 80's. Alice and Sam spoke fluent Arabic as a second language, especially when they didn't want their children to know what they were talking about.

Alice often reminisced about the many years on Sindle Avenue where the Post family became an extension of the Mamary family and vice versa. This relationship continued far beyond the years of the famillies physically living on Sindle Avenue.

Alice devoted her time to St. Georges Church in Little Falls, NJ. Through the years, she was an active member of their choir, their PTA and then the Ladies Society. Alice very much enjoyed volunteering with her friends and family at the annual St. George Church Summer Festival.

Alice had amazing energy and made it look easy to raise a loving family and work at the same time. As a young adult, Alice worked at the mills in downtown Paterson. In the late 60's Alice worked at Dynation in Little Falls where she met her "Best Friend Forever" Elena Feldner. They worked together for decades including Technical Home School Studies and ultimately Singer Kearfott where she walked to work together with her husband, Sam. To this day Elena describes Alice as someone who motivated everyone and someone you could tell your troubles to; and trust it would go nowhere.

Alice's enjoyment in life was also travelling to various areas and cruising with her husband Sam, her brother Leo and sister in-law Gladys. Alice also loved casinos of Atlantic City and Vegas and playing the slot machines. Alice's favorite hobby was creating ceramics for family. She will lovingly be remembered for the unique annual custom Christmas ornaments she had crafted by a friend for all grandchildren and great -grandchildren.

Alice had a big heart for all and always had a very positive attitude. We can still hear her say "I have two choices; I can choose to be sad or I can choose to be happy. Being sad will not change anything, so I choose to be happy" Her unique positive stubbornness kept her from being ill most of her life and the ability to live for 96 amazing years.

As we mourn Alice's loss to everyone here on earth, we celebrate her many years of a richly fulfilled life with her loved ones. We all have another angel watching out over us. Alice and Sam are once again reunited in Heaven!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Monday, 9:15 AM from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa. Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. George Orthodox Church, 237 Long Hill Road, Little Falls at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa.  Friends may call Sunday from 4:00 -7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Valley Hospice, 15 Essex Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Alice Mamary.