Obituary of Mary Ann Harrison

      Mary Ann Harrison (née Honachefsky) left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone she touched, and her passing on October 27, 2024, at Fox Trail Memory Care in Montville, NJ, has left a void that can never be filled. For 83 years, she shared her boundless love and unforgettable memories with her family, friends, and many students. She leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

     Born in Somerville, NJ, to the late Irene (Karasiewicz) and William Honachefsky, Mary Ann was raised in Clinton, NJ, along with her two brothers. She was a good sister and always shared stories of growing up with them on Spruce Run Reservoir. Mary Ann graduated from North Hunterdon Regional High School in Annandale. She was active in high school plays, student government and proud of her membership in the National Honor Society. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, setting the stage for a lifetime of teaching, guiding, and nurturing countless young minds.
 
     In 1963, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Lawrence Harrison, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They found their forever home in Denville, NJ, in 1968, where they raised their three children and created a warm and welcoming haven for family and friends. She enjoyed hosting neighborhood parties, playing Mahjong, and indulging in collecting antiques. Mary Ann's passion for education led her to establish a nursery school, which she started in her house for neighborhood children. Her school grew and she established Union Hill Nursery School in 1975. This venture blossomed into a 40- year career of educating and inspiring countless children in the community.
 
     Mary Ann's zest for travel took her on many exciting journeys with Larry, including cruises, family trips to Disney, Bermuda, and Woodloch Pines in the Poconos. She and Larry spent summers with their family and friends at their home in Normandy Beach, NJ for 50 years, enjoying the beach with their children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing slots in Atlantic City and seeing many singers and shows with Larry. She always enjoyed dressing up and accessorizing for every occasion.
 
     After retirement, in 2012, Mary Ann settled with Larry into Leisure Village West in Manchester Township, where they joined many clubs and stayed active. She made many new friends and enjoyed being close to the beach. Before Lawrence’s passing in 2017, Mary Ann and Larry continued to travel and especially enjoyed their trips to see old friends and family and keep special connections.
 
     As a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Mary Ann's love and generosity knew no bounds. Her family and friends will always treasure the memories of her lavish holiday celebrations, her legendary cooking, and her unwavering support. To her beloved grandchildren, she was the #1 Nana, always ready to spoil them with bingo prizes, bags full of Christmas presents, books, and trips to the boardwalk, ice cream shop, circus and children’s plays. As preschoolers, many of her grandchildren attended “Nana’s Nursery School” and loved hanging out with her in her office.
 
     Mary Ann's passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of those who loved her, but her memory will continue to inspire, uplift, and guide us. Mary Ann is now reunited in paradise with her dear husband, Lawrence, and her beloved daughter, Carolyn. She is survived by her adored children, Barbara (Mark) Derrick and Thomas (Ann Marie) Harrison; her caring son-in-law, Glen Huntley; her treasured grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Julia, Gordon, Scotty, Andrew, and Justin; loving brothers, William (Bonnie) Honachefsky and Gregory Honachefsky; and a vast network of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.
 
     Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3rd from 10 - 1 pm with Funeral Service beginning at 12:30 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Mary Ann's name to The Children's Diabetes Foundation, a cause dear to her heart. You may contribute by mail to Dept #880505, PO Box 29650, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9650 or online by clicking here.
 
     As we gather to celebrate Mary Ann's life, we invite you to share your favorite memories and condolences here. Let us honor her legacy by continuing to spread love, kindness, and joy, just as she did throughout her remarkable life.