Nutley Library Mourns ‘Sudden Passing’ Of Director

NUTLEY, NJ — A Nutley librarian who brought “warmth, pride and smiles” to her neighbors died last week, authorities say.

On Monday, the Nutley Public Library announced the “sudden passing” of Director Maria LaBadia. She was 62.

Once the library reopens, staff will be accepting donations to support a library memorial fund in LaBadia’s honor.

According to the library, LaBadia passed away on March 30. She was appointed director of the Nutley Public Library in 2012, where she served until her death.

Several mourners posted heartfelt tributes to LaBadia on the library’s website. Seen online:

• “Marias LaBadia was a warm, kind and encouraging person who deeply enjoyed making the lives of people that much larger through her work as a librarian. It was a privilege to have worked with her and to have seen her smile.”
• “Being Town Historian for Nutley means that I need to share the things I have learned to others. The library soon became THE place for myself and others to do presentations. Maria was always so supportive to the programs given and I truly believed that she enjoyed Nutley history and was proud to provide a forum for shows and lectures. After a show she would always pull me over to the side and discus some aspect of it and she was always so enthusiastic and encouraging. She made me feel proud of the work I had done and I will greatly miss her support and friendship. She was taken much too soon.”
• “Maria was one of the warmest kindest people. She was able to talk and connect with anyone. When my oldest son was a toddler he had some learning delays and was very difficult so I would go to the library almost every day to stay sane. She would always go out of her way to talk to me and make me feel better. She loved her children very much and would always talk to me about them. Such a beautiful woman. I am so sorry to hear of her loss. My hearts go out to Maria and her family.”

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