Mary T. Gross, 90, passed away at her home on Sunday, February 1, 2026, under a full
moon. Mary was born on March 31, 1935, to Gabor and Mary (nee Kardos) Talian and
raised in the Hungarian section of New Brunswick. She graduated St. Ladislaus
grammar school and St. Peter’s High School (honors 1953) and was awarded a
scholarship to nursing school but instead graduated from Drake Business School
(1955). Mary lived in New Brunswick and worked at Rutgers University in the Office of
the President when she married John Gross in 1955. Mary had her first daughter,
Barbara, and moved to Milltown in 1957 where she lived the remainder of her life. Mary
had two additional daughters, Debbie and Linda, and after the girls were in school, she
resumed working.
After her divorce, Mary transformed herself, earning an Associate Degree in Accounting
(high honors 1986) and Certificate in Computer Assisted Accounts at Middlesex County
College, then earned Junior level credits at Rutgers College. Throughout her career,
Mary worked in various jobs and accounting roles, including at Johnson and Johnson
and back to Rutgers at Cooperative Extension, retiring at 70.
Mary was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church where she volunteered, was a
Girl Sout troop leader, and encouraged community service. She enjoyed entertaining,
especially serving her “Specialty of the House,” Stuffed Cabbage. Mary was an avid
reader, music and movie fan. She loved greeting Trick or Treaters, gardening, and
swimming at the Boro pool and Jersey Shore.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, sister Irene Toth Butler, brother Joseph Talian,
daughter Barbara Lyons, niece and nephews, and in-laws. Mary is survived by
daughters Debbie Langer and Linda Garza (Paul); grandchildren Rebecca Viola (Jon),

Dan Waldron (Kristin), Melanie Lyons, Kimberly Flynn (Greg), Jackie McPherson, (Will),
Brian Langer; and great grandchildren Cadence, Sloane, Ben, Ollie, Charlotte, Paxton,
JD, Teddy, Lexi and Trevor; and extended family (nieces, nephews, godchildren).
Visitation will be held at Bronson and McNamara funeral home in Milltown on Monday,
February 9 from 4 to 7pm. Funeral mass will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic
Church on Tuesday, February 10 at 10am. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Mary requested donations to the Arthritis Foundation, National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Covenant House