Obituary of Marianne Elena Hallahan
Marianne Elena Hallahan, 83, of Fairfax, Virginia passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with colon cancer.
Born in Bound Brook, New Jersey, on April 15, 1942, Marianne graduated from Bound Brook High School in 1960 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Villanova University in 1964. She then dedicated nearly 60 years of her life to nursing, working tirelessly and compassionately as a Registered Nurse. Her career was a testament to her deep empathy, strength, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. She was passionate about respectful elder care.
Outside of her profession, Marianne was a talented and accomplished ballroom dancer. She not only graced countless dance floors but also worked behind the scenes at many national and regional dance competitions. Her grace, energy, and love for the art of dance left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was especially impactful on the university dance circuit, welcoming and encouraging young dancers at the beginning of their careers.
Marianne was a member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Italian Heritage Lodge of Fairfax, VA, where she worked to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions that were so important to her family’s identity. She proudly served on the Executive Council in various roles, and was always happy to help with other tasks such as preparing and serving meals at events. She also served in various capacities on the Grand Council of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Virginia.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen M. Hallahan and Maria S. (Hallahan) Mason and husband Kevin S. Kudlac; her cherished grandson, Keifer A.H. Mason, who was truly the light of her life; and her sister, Victoria A. Ortepio and husband Mark G. Alaimo. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph F. Ortepio and Rose M. (Simoncelli) Ortepio, also of Bound Brook. She also leaves behind hundreds of friends—made over decades through her nursing, dancing, and community work—each of whom held a special place in her heart. Marianne’s legacy of love, warmth, and elegance will live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima in Piscataway, NJ on Wednesday, July 2nd at 12:00 PM, followed by a graveside ceremony at Resurrection Burial Park.
For those wishing to say goodbye more privately, an informal viewing will take place at Piscataway Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
There will also be a Celebration of Life later this summer in Virginia. Friends and family are invited to any or all events to celebrate her remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marianne’s memory to CancerCare, at cancercare.org.