Julia Marley

With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our mother, Julia Marley (née McHale), who passed away at the remarkable age of 99. Early Life Julia Marley was born on September 12, 1926, in Clydagh, Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland, to Anne and Martin McHale. She carried her Irish heritage with pride throughout her life. In 1948, she courageously immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities, bringing with her the strength, determination, and warmth that would become the foundation of her family. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Joseph Marley. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, resilience, and unwavering devotion. They shared a lifetime raising six children and creating a legacy that continues through generations. She was the rock of her family—the steady presence everyone could rely upon. She embodied unconditional love, quiet strength, perseverance, and selfless devotion. Her greatest joy was her family, and she gave of herself endlessly to those she loved. Family She was the proud and devoted grandmother of nine cherished grandchildren: Stephen and Kevin Velez (Melissa), Kayla Gelman (David), Bernadette Jantas (Charles Gibbons), Julia Nyland (Joseph), Maeve and Fiona Marley, and Danny and Cliodhna Reidy. Each of them brought her immense pride and happiness, and her love for them knew no bounds. She was also blessed with beloved great-grandchildren: Jack, Declan, Joe, and Lucy Gelman; Oscar and Stella Velez; and Connor Gibbons, who brought her great joy and continued her legacy of love. Predeceased She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Marley; her parents, Anne and Martin McHale; her siblings, Mary Heagerty, Betty Murray, Patrick McHale, John McHale, and Anthony Joe McHale; and her beloved son-in-law, Joe Velez. Survived By She is survived by her children: Catherine Velez; Ann Marie Podesta (John); Patricia Marley; Kevin Marley (Sara); Joseph Marley; and Mary Marley-Reidy (Dan), along with many treasured nieces and nephews in the United States, Ireland, and England. Her family was her life’s greatest accomplishment. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, resilience, and unconditional love that will continue to guide those who knew her. Though her passing brings deep sorrow, her love lives on in the generations she nurtured and in the countless lives she touched. Born in the West of Ireland in the village of Clydagh, Ballycastle, County Mayo, Julia carried the strength of her Irish roots throughout her life. She taught her family the importance of hard work, loyalty, compassion, and always putting family first. Her love was steadfast, her home was a place of comfort, and her presence was a blessing to all who knew her. Funeral Services A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at 10:30a.m. at Barrett’s Funeral Home in Tenafly, New Jersey, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Cresskill, New Jersey. Interment will follow at Tappan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carmelite Missions. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace. May perpetual light shine upon her.

Julia Marley

July 10, 2026