Angela M. Scatina, of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away on October 30 2020 at 88 years old.
Ann was born September 17, 1932 in Hoboken New Jersey. She spoke of happy times growing up with her three brothers, Alfred, Joseph and Frank. She especially enjoyed family get-togethers. With four aunts, any one of which could have headlined a vaudeville show, their weekly extended family meals were never short on food or entertainment. These happy times surrounded by larger than life characters brought forth in Ann a zest for life and a fun-loving personality.
Ann graduated Paterson State Teachers College in 1953. In teaching she found her true calling and spent her career as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. She was adored by students, faculty and parents and received many awards for teaching excellence. Being musical she arranged yearly student shows which highlighted her singing and piano talents. It was a sight to behold with her first-grade students all knowing their cues and memorizing lines perfectly. All a testament to Ann’s passion and determination to put out a great show.
Ann married Frank Scatina in August 1955 and would be happy to tell you about their multi-course open bar reception at 32 cents per plate. Together they had three children, JoAnn, Catherine and Michael. The family moved to a quiet neighborhood in Bergenfield, New Jersey, just a block away from idyllic Cooper’s Pond and the old water mill. There Ann took her babies for walks around the pond to feed the ducks and enjoy the fresh air.
No one lit up a room like Ann. Her smile was infectious and once she started telling a story, you knew you were in for a treat. She was charismatic and full of life, able to find joy in any situation. Ann’s unwavering optimism in the face of all challenges is a true inspiration. She instilled in her family the importance of a positive attitude even in hard times.
Ann was incredibly determined, whether beating cancer (twice!) or insisting on hanging a picture herself to make sure it was just right. She loved to travel, especially to Italy, played a mean card game, and was a skilled knitter, making everything from blankets to a sweater for her grand-dog. Ann was also a devout Catholic who attended church regularly and enjoyed singing as part of mass.
Above all else, Ann loved her family deeply and was happiest spending time with them. We were all spoiled by her cooking, and have many memories returning from a day at the beach to a kitchen full of food and desserts. Ann dropped everything to take care of her children and grandchildren. She was always there when we needed her to listen, give support, and treat any sickness with homemade chicken soup.
Ann’s memory will live on through her three children and their spouses; Catherine and Walter Marx, Jo Ann and Chip Porfido and Michael and Maria Scatina. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Frank Buda and grandchildren; Megan, Gregory and Chris Porfido, Allison and Kjell Strode, and great grandson Cooper Strode.
Ann is reunited with her husband, Frank Scatina, brothers Al and Joseph Buda, and beloved granddaughter Melissa Marx.
Due to the pandemic, we will be having a private service at Lawton Funeral Home after which she will be buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ on November 4, 2020. A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so.
We are blessed to have experienced 88 years of Ann’s hilarious stories, positivity and unconditional love. She will be forever missed.
Our hearts are broken. Until we meet again. We will miss your lovely laugh and smile.
The summers spent at the shore. The holiday dinners. So many family memories. Babies being born, Cooper being our newest . Love and hugs. From grandma Porfido and family.
My sincere condolences to all.
Ann was a beautiful and thoughtful lady who will be missed by many. Treasure the wonderful memories.
In sympathy,
Maureen Dinges
Atlanta, GA
Ann I am going to miss you very much! You have been such a great friend to me……I met you at our new community-Cherry Vally @ Clubside. We loved each other right away…….yes, we are both Italian and we loved family, cooking and above……..CLEANING…….Windows, Garage….ETC. We laughed about it often when everyone in our neighborhood had a cleaning service. When you moved again we met for lunch and we talked and always laughed…………I will miss you always and they only solace I will find is that you are not suffering.
Good by for now my beautiful Ann.
Ann was a ray of sunshine here at Seabrook in Tinton Falls. She was loved by everyone she played cards with, ate with, played Rummy cube with, traveled with, talked to, told stories to and went to parties with. We will remember her always in our hearts and in our prayers….as we pray to her….. where I know she is… in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are also with her family, who she loved dearly and spoke of often.
I spent three hours every Monday and Wednesday evening for the last few years sitting next to Ann at our poker games. In spite of multiple health issues, she always had a smile and was very pleasant. I enjoyed her company and will miss her. My condolences to Ann’s family.
Ann was one of the first people I met when I moved to Four Seasons @ Mapleton. I remember saying to myself that if there are more kind and caring in this community, like Ann, I made a great decision. Over the years, we played poker and she was one of the best. She taught me how to freeze blueberries and how to cook some great Italian meals. When Ann wanted to move from here, many of us tried to talk her out of it, we just didn’t want her to go! When she did leave, we never lost touch and visited each other many times. I am sure that wonderful smile of Ann’s will light up the heavens. Rest in Peace, Dear Friend.
I will always treasure the wonderful, fun and very happy memories in Four Seasons where we met and our exciting travels through the years! I feel blessed and happy to have known Ann and will truly miss her!
Ann was our spark of fun at Hoover school where we taught together for many years. She always organized fun activities for the teachers like a baby photo contest and weight watchers competition. The prizes were always coveted, often amusing gifts we received from our students.
What will I remember best about Ann? Her beautiful smile and kind, generous ways. Rest In Peace, lovely lady.
I have known Ann for 51 years! We met when I started teaching at Hoover School, Bergenfield, NJ. Even though we both moved, we always kept in touch. We shared many life experiences together and she will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.
Betty Cleary
Ann and I taught together for many years at Hoover School We taught together as fellow first grade teachers and she was truly a wonderful teaching partner. Her happy upbeat spirit inspired all. Her beautiful smile brought joy to all around. Ann will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
I also have known Ann for 51 years, through my sister, Joyce Edwards. I taught in the Bergenfield school system at the middle and high school level. I would come visit my sister after school and Ann would join us in the classroom. We shared many stories and had a lot of similar teaching experiences. Ann loved parties, and after retiring, would always include me at the many places she resided. God bless and rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to the family. I will miss our telephone calls where we caught up on family and her poker games. She never complained about anything and her positive attitude was absolutely contagious.