1887-1982
Renowned Czech soprano Maria Jeritza lived in the Newark Forest Hill from 1948 until her death in 1982, after her marriage to umbrella manufacturing Irving Seery, who died in 1966.
Maria’s rapid rise to fame, beauty and personality earned her the nickname “The Moravian Thunderbolt”. She performed throughout Europe and the United States, and operas were specifically written with her in mind. She acted in more than 200 roles.
At her funeral Monsignor Eugene Clark said, “She had an extraordinary effect on human beings…she was blessed by God with manifest gifts including a special gift for friendship” and that she “helped suffering and oppressed people in many nations.” Maria gave many benefit concerts including throughout Austria to help rebuild religious landmarks after WII.
According to her obituary, during WWII, she helped rescue prisoners from Nazi concentration camps and later helped churches and convents behind the Iron Curtain.
Maria loved making over houses and loved trees, she enjoyed arranging the house and garden in her 200 Elwood Ave home (formerly 66 Heller Parkway, but quickly moved after marriage). “The parties surely were among the most spectacular in the history of Newark,” wrote Alan Branigan, and included many famous guests.
“Maria Jeritza was one of the world’s great artists and one of NJ’s most distinguished citizens– as well as a close personal friend” said Gov. Brendan Byrne upon her death. She was the recipient of many international awards.
Bibliography
“Maria Jeritza: Primadonna of the Century”. San Francisco Opera. https://www.sfopera.com/blog/2020/jun/maria-jeritza-prima-donna-of-the-century-and-san-francisco-operas-first-salome/ .
Women’s Project of New Jersey Records.
“Maria Jeritza: Star of Opera’s Golden Age Dies at 94” New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1982/07/11/obituaries/maria-jeritza-star-of-opera-s-golden-age-dies-at-94.html
The Women’s Project of New Jersey. Past and Promise: Lives of New Jersey Women.
“Madame Jeritza Eulogized at Mass” Star Ledger July 15, 1982
Branigan, Alan, “Opera’s Golden Age Lives On” Star Ledger Jun 3, 1979
“Maria Jeritza is Dead at 94” Star Ledger Jul 11, 1982
“Newarkers Return” Star Ledger Sept 3, 1948
Branigan, Alan, “New Honor with Jeritza” Newark News Oct 24, 1967