Mary Beth Bocksel

April 23, 1951 – August 15, 2025

Mary Beth Bocksel, devoted mother, sister and nurse passed away on August 15th, 2025 at the age of 74.

Mary Beth Dragner Bocksel, born April 23, 1951, in New York, NY, was the beloved daughter of Margaret and Joseph Dragner. She grew up in Westbury, NY, and graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in 1969, before completing her nursing degree at St. Vincent’s Nursing School in 1972.

Throughout her life, Mary Beth lived in Syosset, NY, Long Valley, NJ, Naperville, IL, and Randolph, NJ, raising her family and forming cherished, lifelong friendships in each community. In 2001 Mary Beth settled into Basking Ridge NJ where she enjoyed her many friends from the Beginning Experience community, work at Corvel Corp. and St. James Church.

Professionally, Mary Beth devoted her life to caring for others as a nurse, a career that spanned decades until her retirement in 2019. After completing her education at St. Vincents she started work for the Visiting Nurse Service of NY, taking care of patients throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City. While raising her children in Naperville, IL, she worked part time as a visiting nurse and completed a masters degree in Nursing from Lewis University. Her compassion and selflessness extended beyond her work—she was a dedicated care provider to her aging parents and the friend everyone turned to for advice, encouragement, and guidance. Whether it was offering health expertise, helping a friend navigate the medical system, or simply being present with kindness, Mary Beth shined as a caregiver.

Mary Beth was a woman of many artistic talents and passions. A lover of home design and an original DIYer, she poured her creativity into her home. She sewed her own window treatments, upholstered furniture, and painted and stenciled many rooms in her own home. She also had a deep love of antiques, filling her home with pieces that reflected her eye for beauty and her appreciation for history. Mary Beth was an avid reader, and was committed to inspiring this joy into her children and grandchildren. Her young grandchildren were often found perched on her lap deep in a beautifully illustrated children's book.

Mary Beth was committed to her faith, had unwavering care for others and was loved by all for her cheerful and happy disposition. Above all else, Mary Beth’s greatest joy and deepest devotion was to her family. As a mother and grandmother, she instilled a love of family and gratitude for life's blessings into her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Deirdre Carlough and Son in Law, Jason Carlough of Glen Ridge NJ; her Son, Jon Bocksel and partner Nona Hildebrand of Brooklyn, NY; and her grandchildren Mackie, Spencer and Tate. She is also survived by her former husband Arnold Bocksel of Port Washington NY and siblings Cathryn Carrabetta, Ellen Hollinger, Bernadette Moyer and Matt Dragner as well as 13 nieces and nephews and many, many, beloved friends who were a wonderful support to her as she lived out her last few years with Dementia.

A Celebration of her life will take place on Saturday September 6th, at 11am at The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair NJ with a luncheon reception to follow at Montclair Golf Club.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Visiting Nurse Service of NY: www.vnshealth.org.
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