Mary Ellen Bifano

Mary Ellen Bifano, 71, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary Ellen grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, and spent approximately 40 years in Middlesex, where she built a beautiful life with her husband, Gary Bifano, and their family. After retiring, Mary Ellen and Gary moved to Toms River, where they enjoyed the past two years together.

Mary Ellen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved. Her family meant everything to her, and she especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren, Audriana Bifano, Alex Bifano, and Liam O’Malley.

Mary Ellen had a special gift for making people feel loved through the things she did for them. She was incredibly crafty and creative and enjoyed sewing, baking, cooking, gardening, and making things by hand. She was an amazing baker and cook, and everyone who knew Mary Ellen knew that her food was made with love—and everyone looked forward to whatever she was making next. She had a natural talent for creating beautiful and meaningful things, whether it was something she sewed, a craft she made, a garden she cared for, or a homemade meal shared with family. Her kitchen was often a place where family and friends gathered, shared stories, and made memories.

Mary Ellen will be remembered for her generous heart, her love of family, her warmth, and the countless ways she cared for the people around her. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a love that will continue to live on through her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Bifano; her children, Gary Bifano and his wife, Christina Bifano, and Danielle O’Malley and her husband, Ken O’Malley; her grandchildren, Audriana Bifano, Alex Bifano, and Liam O’Malley; her sister-in-law, Amy Miano, and her husband, Foster Miano; as well as her extended family and many friends who loved her dearly. Mary was predeceased by her beloved brother, Anthony Przybylowicz, who she carried in her heart always.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Girasole in Bound Brook, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you remember Mary Ellen by gathering with the people you love, sharing a meal, making something homemade, planting something beautiful, or simply carrying forward the kindness and love she gave so freely.

Mary Ellen was deeply loved, and she will be missed more than words can express. 

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com