Marion Agnes (Klein) Gerace

Marion Agnes Gerace, 101, of Berkeley Township, passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 16, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Marion was the daughter of the late John and Ida Klein. She lived through a century of extraordinary change while remaining steadfast in the values that defined her life: faith, family, resilience, and love.

Marion was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gaetano Gerace; her parents, John and Ida Klein; her brothers, John Klein and Arthur Klein; and her sister, Dorothy Orlowski.

Known affectionately as “Nails”, Marion possessed a classic Brooklyn toughness, sharp wit, and direct honesty that made her unforgettable to all who knew her. Beneath that strong exterior, however, was a deeply caring and devoted woman whose greatest joy was her family. As the matriarch of four generations, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Marion had a lifelong passion for gardening and was a dedicated Rutgers Master Gardener in Ocean County for more than 25 years. She generously shared her knowledge and love of gardening through volunteer service in the Consumer Horticulture Program and, in 2018, was recognized with a Certificate of Achievement honoring her years of volunteer dedication. Her beloved roses reflected the same passion, care, and nurturing spirit she brought to her family and friendships.

She also enjoyed games and puzzles of every kind and was fiercely competitive at Scrabble, Rummikub, Canasta and May I. Marion especially loved gathering with family around the game table, where laughter and spirited competition became cherished traditions. She was also an avid fan of horse racing and loved the excitement of cheering on her favorite horses.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Marion was a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Toms River and a dedicated member of the St. Joseph Rosary Society. She was also an active member of the Red Hat Society, Women’s Club of Holiday City and the Holiday City Social Club. Her faith guided her life and provided strength, comfort, and inspiration to her family throughout the years.

Marion is survived by her loving sons, John Gerace (Camille), Thomas Gerace (Roseann), Michael Gerace (Jeanne), and Anthony Gerace (Andrèa); her loving daughters, Mary Ann Mullady (John) and Dorothy Boresky (Peter); along with her cherished grandchildren (and spouses), great-grandchildren (and spouse), great-great-grandchild, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Toms River, NJ, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marion’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.