Angela Gaeta

Angela Gaeta, 85 of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away at home on Thursday April 17th, 2025. Angela was born in Sannicandro Di Bari, Italy and spent time living in Bayonne, NJ before moving to Little Egg Harbor, NJ 20 years ago. Angela was a communicant of St Theresa’s R.C. Church and was a wonderful home maker. She enjoyed crocheting, taking care of her plants and playing the slot machines at the casino. She also loved her pets and all animals, spending time with her family, watching soap operas and shopping.

Angela was predeceased by her parents Giacomo and Nancy Novielli, brothers Vito, Anthony and Andrew Novielli and sister Marta Marziliano.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Giovanni Gaeta, daughters Caterina Gaeta of Bayville, NJ and Nancy Gaeta Madigan and husband David of Kohler, WI, sisters Grace Bitetto and husband Vitangelo and Tina Scalera and husband Frank, grandchildren Benjamin Madigan and wife Olivia, Grace Hoell and husband Zachariah, Mary Madigan, Michael DeMeo, James DeMeo and Emily DeMeo and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 22nd, 2025 from 9-10:30am at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Rd. Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday April 22nd, 2025 at 11am at St Theresa’s Church 450 Radio Rd. Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087 followed by Entombment in Ocean County Memorial Park in Waretown, NJ. Repass will follow at Il Giardino 2 Hollywood Blvd. Forked River, NJ.

EULOGY

Good morning Family and Friends, 

We are here today to celebrate the life of Angela Novielli Gaeta, loving wife, mother, grandma, aunt, sister, sister-in-law and friend to so many people. She was affectionately known as Ma, Mac, Mommy, Angie, Grandma, Gma and Zia Lina.

 Born in Sannicandro di Bari, Italy, she arrived in the US in 1965 shortly after marrying our father John, and eventually acclimated to her new surroundings in Bayonne, NJ. There, she worked in a factory, ironing clothes while taking care of two small girls and trying to learn the English language. She received much support and guidance from her family, especially her mother Nancy Sr. (Nonna), and her sisters Marta, Grace, and Tina. Zia Aura helped care for us when she was at work.

 Ma was a small, petite lady with a big personality. She had a fun sense of humor and always loved to make people laugh. She also had a subtle, but direct way of telling you when something did not look right about your appearance. She would say it so innocently it sometimes didn’t quite register until you said to yourself, “Did she just tell me I look like I gained weight? Or that I need more Oil of Olay because my skin looks dry?” In either case, it made you think it must be true. She would never say it, if it wasn’t! 

While living in Bayonne, she enjoyed so many things such as walking on Broadway, shopping, paying bills and visiting friends. She also took the local bus when going to visit her family. She enjoyed cooking and loved crocheting blankets for all her family and friends, and for pretty much anyone who made eye contact with her! Her favorite pastimes were taking care of her plants and caring for her pets. Pretzels, cookies, crackers, and chocolate were her favorite snacks. She loved watching her soap operas, such as All My Children, General Hospital, Golden Girls and Dr. Travis. And she had so many funny sayings, “Step outside, I’m talking now, You’re not the boss, Confidentially, Something is rotten in Denmark, and What’s up doc! 

In 2005, she moved to Little Egg Harbor (So Jersey) with my father and made many friends in her new neighborhood. Shortly after, I moved to South Jersey to be near them. Her favorite stores were Kohls, TJ Maxx and Walmart. How many times I would bring her to Kohls or TJ Maxx for a few items which turned out to be a whole shopping cart and then some. 

My mother was a very generous person. To her, money and possessions were not just things to have, they were a way to show kindness and affection. If you went to visit Angie, you often went home with one of her possessions. Also, could be a possession someone else gave her! Even when she came to visit me in Wisconsin, she never showed up empty handed. There was always a big roll of aluminum foil because, you know, you can’t get that in Wisconsin! Once she didn’t bring it and I was so upset! 

When we would travel to New Jersey to visit, she would always put her order in for Baileys, Amaretto, Summer Sausage, Kentucky Fried Chicken and of course cookies for her secret stash. She would often call me and say “Nanny or Nancwee” are you going to Kohls. Sure what do you need and she would say I would like a new bathrobe, navy or brown with snaps, size large, or a new housecoat or smock. She put an order in at least once a month. It was one of my favorite things about her.

 In 2017, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 uterine cancer. She handled treatment better than anyone could have imagined, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation without complaining. She did, however, frequently remind us of her one residual side effect: her sick toes! As she got older, my father stepped up to care for her full time. Although this could be difficult and stressful at times, he never asked for any help. For that, we are truly grateful. 

Throughout her life, mommy needed a little extra help and support along the way. She was cared for and looked after by so many of you, here, today. Now, that she is gone and has been made perfect in the loving embrace of Christ, we know that she will watch over and care for us, until we meet again.

 We have lost an innocent soul, so pure and honest, so loving and generous. We have lost our angel here on earth but her memory lives on. She is now in heaven with Nonna, Nonno and her brothers and sister. 

Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death can not touch. 

There is a saying, when we love we grieve, they are intertwined.

 We will miss you, Mommy. But we’ll never forget. 

Goodbye for now.