Marianne Callanan, beloved wife, mother, nanny, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the age of 78 in her home in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township. She was surrounded by her devoted family as she concluded a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer—a journey she faced with remarkable grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

Born on January 19, 1947 in Jersey City to the late Thomas and Mary Rose Monaco, Marianne was raised in Avenel alongside her cherished brothers, Thomas J. Monaco and his wife Helen of Sayreville, Joseph Monaco and his wife Loretta of Barnegat, and Anthony Monaco and his wife Debbie of Avenel. From an early age, Marianne's loving heart, radiant smile, and gentle nature made her a source of joy and comfort to all who knew her.

In 1966, while working in Manhattan, Marianne met the love of her life, John Callanan. Their instant connection turned into a beautiful partnership, and they married in January of 1968. Together, they built a loving home in Colonia and a life defined by devotion, laughter, and deep family pride. They were blessed with two daughters—Maria Callanan and her partner Dante Rodriguez of New Port Richey, Florida, and Michelle and her husband Christopher Widman of South River, New Jersey. She cherished her two sons-in-law whom Marianne embraced as her own. Her greatest joy came with the arrival of her grandchildren, Jack (2005) and Madelyn (2007) Widman, who were the light of her life. Marianne's love for them was boundless, and she treasured every moment spent watching them grow.

Marianne worked for 15 years as a Ticket Agent with Continental Airlines at Newark Airport. Her warm personality, patience, and sincerity turned countless co-workers into lifelong friends. Her work also allowed her to explore the world, experiences she treasured and often shared, always with the same sense of wonder and gratitude that defined her life. She retired in 2007 to dedicate herself fully to the role she cherished most: being a daily presence in the lives of her grandchildren.

To Marianne, family was everything. She held deep affection for her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews: Thomas Monaco (Tommy & Alexa Monaco), Joseph Monaco, Jennie Monaco (Brianna & Aiden), Nicole Monaco (Noah Franco), Michael Monaco (Angelo & Antonio), Kathy McCarthy, the beloved Edward McCarthy, Peggy Ricci (Kevin & Josie), Jerry Dalton (John & Lauren), Michael Dalton (Samantha & Melanie), Susan Fleming (Caitlin Fleming), and Margie Callanan. She also treasured her cousins, extended family, and the countless friends who became family through the years. Marianne possessed an extraordinary gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and valued; her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart even fuller.

Marianne lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, humor, and integrity. She had a rare ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room, and she touched countless lives simply by being herself. Her beauty, inside and out, radiated in her every word and action. She was truly blessed with wonderful people around her, and in turn, she blessed them with steadfast love, support, and compassion. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her family or friends.

A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001.

A Memorial Mass will follow on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel, with a luncheon to celebrate Marianne's life immediately after at Dominic's Restaurant on Avenel Street.

Marianne's legacy of love, warmth, and generosity will live forever in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will remain with her family always—guiding them, uplifting them, and reminding them of the extraordinary woman she was.

May she rest in eternal peace and fly with the angels.

The family requests, In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital in Marianne's name. https://www.stjude.org/donate