Obituary of Maureen K. Tufano

Maureen (Reenie, Rere) Tufano, the heart of our family, passed away on May 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family, after a long-time suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 80 years old.

Reenie was born in Port Jervis, NY to the late W. George and Margaret (Sis) Pepper on March 1, 1944 as 1 of 11 children. She was a lifelong resident, and it was here that she met her husband of 60 years, Nicholas Tufano, who was unrelentingly by her side. With Nick, Reenie raised their 4 daughters and was a constant presence in her 10 grandchildren’s lives. She worked at the Grand Union deli for many years, where she enjoyed the relationships she formed with her co-workers and customers.

Reenie displayed love to our family through caring, unconditional love and baking or cooking. She possessed the ability to make everyone feel special, and although she had so much love to share with our entire family, she especially cherished her grandchildren. Known to them as Rere, she ensured every holiday, birthday or weekend afternoon spent together was special. When she wasn’t spending time with us, cooking or baking, Reenie loved going for walks, quilting, crafting, shopping (especially at Hallmark or on QVC) and dancing to The Twist.   

As the matriarch of our close knit family, Rere taught us through her actions the importance of family, quality time together and love. Her passing leaves behind a great heartbreak, grief is the scar that love leaves. But her legacy of traditions and unconditional love for one another ensures she will forever be in our hearts as we continue to cherish her memory and the values she instilled in us. 

In addition to her husband, Reenie is survived by her four daughters, Lisa (Brian) Pagano, Michele (Darryl) Wood, Staci (Ray) Holeman and Amy (Michael Barbagallo) Tufano; her cherished grandchildren, Nicole (Richard) Pagano-Clark, Nicholas Pagano, Isabella (Robert) Cassimore, Olivia Wood, Sophia Wood, Samuel Wood, Sasha Holeman, Jake Holeman, Mason Holeman and Lucas Tufano. She is also survived by her brothers and sister Janet Schields, Richard Pepper and Robert Pepper as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. 

In addition to her parents, Reenie was predeceased by her mother-in-law and father-in-law Carol and Nick Tufano; her beloved baby daughter Laurie Tufano; her brothers and sister Nancy Zabowski, William Pepper and John Pepper. 

For those wishing to honor Reenie’s strength and courage in her battle with Alzheimer’s, her family asks that you please consider a donation to Hilarity for Charity (HFC), a national non-profit on a mission to care for families impacted by Alzheimer's disease, activate the next generation of Alzheimer's advocates, and be a leader in brain health research and education. https://www.wearehfc.org/ 

“Hearts Memories” by Louise M. Eder

I remember you with my heart
My mind won’t say your name
I can’t recall where I knew you
Who you were
Or who I was…
I can still feel you
I can remember you with my heart
And a heart memory is maybe
The most important memory of all

Arrangements entrusted to Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home.  A private cremation took place at MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford. 

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