Marie (Berlin) Parani

Marie “Mickey” Parani, 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on June 9, 2025.  Mickey recently moved to Hazlet, New Jersey, after growing up and raising her family in Union City, New Jersey, where she reigned as neighborhood influencer and friend to all who strolled by.

Mickey was predeceased by her sweetest of all husbands, Joey Parani, her son Tommy Parani, her sister, Kay McMahon and her husband Bill, and her son-in-law Joe Virgilio.  Mickey is most certainly enjoying a heavenly celebration  with them along with other friends and family who have passed–Mickey always loved a party.

She is survived by her children (all of whom were taught to have excellent manners and a sense of adventure) Johna Dowdall, Kerry Parani, Leesa Carter and her husband Dave, Jodi Virgilio, Joe Parani and his wife Loreta, and Tim Parani and his wife Esther.  Also ready to carry on her zest for life are 14 very good looking grandchildren and 17 adorable great grandchildren.

When poet Mary Oliver posed the question, “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mickey responded, “Hold my tea.”  Then she never stopped moving and never looked back.  She was a life long girl scout and hiked and camped into her 90’s.  She was an artist and enjoyed time with other artists in classrooms, backyards, studios or out in the wild. She could ride a horse, throw a football, pack a cooler for the beach, turn a basement into a haunted house, cook for nine on a budget and throw together the perfect outfit at a moment’s notice. She loved the theater, movies, music and dance and she loved all of those things across generations because it never mattered how old she was–she enjoyed every moment. Her life was filled with beauty and laughter and jazz hands.

MIckey’s life was filled with family. She was Mom, Hon, Nana, Big Nana, Mickey the Great, or Aunt Mickey–she embraced all roles with gusto and there was so much love it extended far beyond immediate family.  There are hundreds of people in this world who know Aunt Mickey and are better people because of it.

Arrangements were entrusted to Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  In respect of Marie’s wishes, she was privately cremated and a memorial service is planned for the fall.  For information or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com. In the meantime, paint something, laugh at anything, plant a flower, find shapes in the clouds, sing out loud or throw some jazz hands. Be like Mickey.

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