Mary Noonan

Mary McCormack Noonan of Scotch Plains passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at home with her loving family. Mary was a native of Elizabeth, NJ and attended St. Patrick’s Grammer School and High School. It was there at a basketball practice where she first met the love of her life, John William Noonan, Sr. They married on May 23rd, 1964, and created a beautiful family of three children, John William Noonan, Jr. (Areej Nitowski), Mary E. Hochman (Kenneth Hochman), and Patrick J. Noonan (Lynda Cecere).

Mary’s greatest passion was caring for her family. Whether it was taking all the kids for strolls when they were younger, creating memorable dinners, or making the holidays a time of joy and festivity, she turned the ordinary into the extraordinary with her sense of “home”.

Her wit and sense of humor kept laughter going even in the saddest of times. Mary was a prolific reader and passed her love of reading to her children and grandchildren. Her recipes were carefully preserved and faithfully followed by her children, continuing her love of family dinners. 

Mary lived with her daughter and grandchildren for nine years, where her loved filled their home each day. She was always eager to offer cooking advice and delighted in trying any new recipe made especially for her. Every morning, as her family left for the day, she would lovingly say, “Have a good and safe day, ‘cause I love you a heck of a lot!” And when evening came, she was there again- waiting with a soft smile, ready to welcome everyone home. 

Mary was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Scotch Plains and was strong in her faith. She never wavered in her beliefs and was a role model to all who knew her.

Mary is predeceased by her parents, John Francis McCormack and Mary Sullivan, her brother John McCormack, her son-in-law Kenneth Hochman, and her loving husband of 60 years, John. She is survived by her three children, and seven grandchildren: John W. Noonan, III, Elizabeth M. Noonan, Joseph M. Noonan, William J. Hochman, Allison M. Hochman, Katherine R. Hochman, and Brian P. Noonan.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, January 4th from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Higgins and Bonner, Westfield, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 5th at St. Bartholomew’s church at 10:00 am followed by a burial at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery. 

Donations in Mary’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.