Obituary of Michelle Teresa Bozza
Michelle Teresa Bozza died peacefully in her home in Whippany on October 22, 2024.
Michelle was born in Denville on November 13, 1961 and lived in Rockaway with her family in their home until 1998. She attended pre-school at Bethlehem Church (Randolph), Lincoln School (Rockaway), Copeland Middle School and Morris Knolls High School.
Michelle was part of a large and loving family. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and great-aunt. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Ralph and Caroline Bozza, her brother, Dr. Ralph Bozza, her sister, Sara Mulder, and her brother-in-law, Henry (Alan) Mulder. She is survived by her brother, Father Nicholas Bozza, sister-in-law, Mary Lou Bozza, aunt Mary Bozza, cousins, nieces and nephew, Mary Lou Bozza (Gary Wang), Michael Bozza (Zana), Kaitlin Sanders (Jacob), Caroline Mulder, and Helena Mulder, and grand-nieces and nephews Salam, Noor, Hanna, and Ralph Bozza, Luke and Mary Lou Wang, and Sara Sanders.
In 1998, the Bozza family joined with four other families to create Five Friends, LLC, a shared home in Whippany for five adults with special needs (current members of the community: Bob Delaney, Amanda Jones, Linda Polito, Pam Yee; predeceased: Rhonda Brown, Peter Isel, and Kevin McIvor). Michelle loved the Five Friends residents and support staff (led by Deacon Joe and Karen Harris) very much. While a part of Five Friends, Michelle worked at Embassy Suites, and the Parsippany Shop Rite.
Faith, hope and love were very much a part of who Michelle was. She was a member of St. Cecilia parish, St. Ann’s parish and Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel. Michelle received her first training in the Catholic faith from Mrs. Mary Igoe at St. Cecilia Church.
Michelle was a long-time member of MCARP. She had many friends and was a participant in the Special Olympics for many years. Michelle once flew in Mayor Bloomberg’s personal jet to Iowa to the national Special Olympics as the New Jersey bocce champion. Michelle was also a part of a congressional hearing in Washington on the subject of the self-determination of the people with special needs. She was an avid fan of the Giants, Yankees, and Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, but never rooted against any team! She loved music, movies, crafts, and dancing, and had an infectious smile.
Michelle had a tremendous heart that was filled with the love, the compassion, and the mercy of God. Many people were drawn to her and many loved her. She will be missed sorely by her family and friends.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Michelle's life at a viewing on Tuesday, October 29th, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 30th, at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia Church, 90 Church Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866, followed by burial at St. Cecilia Cemetery in Rockaway, NJ.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Five Friends Home, 178 Bee Meadow Parkway, Whippany, NJ 07981 or St. Lawrence the Martyr Church, Haiti Mission, 375 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930.
Michelle's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. Please leave a condolence or share your favorite memory of Michelle here to continue to let her light shine on.
