Maria Louise Mills 69 of Spring Lake, NJ died Friday, March 27, 2020 surrounded by her family. Born in Paterson, she grew up in East Paterson (Elmwood Park). Maria raised her family in Toms River, NJ before moving to Spring Lake 10 years ago. She was a parishioner of St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake. Maria was a graduate of Georgian Court University and attended Seton Hall University and was a PHD candidate. Maria was a middle school teacher with the Jackson Township Board of Education and a professor at both Ocean County College and Georgian Court University.
Maria was predeceased by her parents, George and Louise Mills, and her brothers George Mills and Roy Mills. Surviving are her children, Paul Picchierri and his wife Diane of Howell, NJ, Christina Tobin and her husband Robert of Cresco, PA, Laura Grodzinski and her husband Bryan of Toms River, NJ, Chris Picchierri of Hawthorne, NJ. She also leaves 6 grandchildren Taylor Loren, Nikolas Anthony, Sean Patrick, Travis James, Ella Louise, and Asher James.
Maria was a cheerleading coach and positively influenced many individuals throughout her life. She inspired all of her children to coach and volunteer.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake. Committal was private. O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall in charge of arrangements www.obrienfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.