Aides to the Grand Marshal 2025

Aide for the County Cork Association

Maribeth Hess

Maribeth currently resides on West Point Island, Lavallette NJ, and previously lived in Bayonne for 62 years.   A graduate of St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Holy Family Academy, and Jersey City State College, Maribeth began her career as an educator in 1974 for the Bayonne Board of Education in Henry E. Harris School. Maribeth retired in 2014 after a 31-year teaching career at Henry E. Harris School.

She continued to be part of HFA community as a member of the Mother’s club and Alumni Mothers’ clubs. A lifelong devout catholic, Maribeth was actively involved at St Andrew's as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, parish council member, and CCD teacher. Now a devoted member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Lavallette, Maribeth continues to serve as a lector and Eucharistic minister, as well as active participant in the Rosary Society, and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as treasurer and has contributed to numerous fundraising committees. Driven by faith, and a passion for service, Maribeth selflessly dedicates time and effort to enrich the community for the greater good. 

Beyond parish life, Maribeth plays a vital role in the West Point Island Civic Association as Vice President of Social events, fostering community engagement.  Deeply connected to her Irish heritage, County Cork has been in her blood since childhood. She embraces continued Irish traditions with her family and friends, ensuring our heritage continues to live on. 

She is the granddaughter of Michael Conway born in Cabragh, Dromore West, Co. Sligo and Margaret Cooney Conway born in Aghabullogue, Co. Cork who emigrated to Bayonne in the early 1900’s.  She is the great-granddaughter of Timothy and Helen Murphy O’Brien born in Co. Cork, who emigrated to

Bayonne and were married at St. Mary’s in 1885.  Maribeth is the daughter of Eileen and Francis X. Conway, wife to the late Edgar J. Hess, mother to Megan (and soon to be Mrs. Ryan Child), mother to Brian and daughter-in-law Jess, “Grandmar” to Georgia, Macailagh, and Maeve.

Aide for the County Donegal Association

Moira Harden - Wright

Moira Harden Wright is honored to serve as an aide to the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Bayonne Saint Patrick’s Parade, proudly representing the Donegal Association of Bayonne. Deeply connected to her Irish roots, Moira is the daughter of Kathy Ward Harden, the Aide to the Grand Marshal for the Shamrock Society, and Laurence Harden of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland.  She is the granddaughter of Grace and Hubie Ward of Loughanure and Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland, and Maggie and Lala Harden of Gweedore. Moira misses her grandparents dearly and cherishes the legacy, faith, and tradition they instilled in her, which continue to guide her every day. She is the sister of Conor Harden and the wife of Michael Wright, her truest friend and greatest supporter. Moira is truly blessed to be surrounded by such love from her family, and friends, who continuously uplift and inspire her.

A devoted educator, Moira teaches at her alma mater, Horace Mann Community School, where she is privileged to be a part of so many little learners’ first school experiences. She is dedicated to laying a strong foundation for her students, inspiring them to grow with confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.  Beyond the classroom, Moira is a member of St. Henry’s Parish, where she has served as a catechist, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Parish Council. She is also a member of Bayonne’s Irish Festival Committee and Bayonne’s Parade Committee, working to celebrate and preserve Irish culture within the community.

Moira is grateful for this opportunity to honor her heritage alongside family, friends, and the Bayonne community. She looks forward to celebrating the traditions of the Donegal Association and the enduring spirit of the Irish people, carrying forward the values and traditions that haveshaped her life.

Aide for the Irish American League of Bayonne

Elle Cole - Gallagher

Ellen Cole was born on March 12, 1987, at Meadowlands Hospital. She is the daughter of Mary Hurley Cole, Grand Marshal of the 2025 Bayonne St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the late Bob Cole, a teacher and football coach at Marist High School and Bayonne High School.  Elle graduated from Horace Mann Elementary School and Holy Family Academy in Bayonne.  Following high school, she dedicated a year to national service with AmeriCorps *NCCC, where she worked to restore homes and communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Currently, Elle is employed by the County of Hudson at its Public Training Center. She has been recognized for her contributions to the community, earning the title of 2017 Irish Woman of the Year from the Irish American League and 2019 Irish Woman of the Year from the Jersey City St. Patrick’s Day One Block Parade.

Elle is married to Brian Gallagher, a detective with the Jersey City Police Department, and together they have two sons, Mickey and Charlie. In her free time, Elle enjoys knitting, traveling with friends, hosting parties at her home, and spending time with her two goddaughters, Caroline and Rosalie.

Aide for the Shamrock Society of Bayonne

Kathy Ward Harden

Kathy Ward Harden is a proud lifelong resident of Bayonne with deep ties to her faith, family, and community. She is the daughter of Grace and Hubie Ward of Loughanure and Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland, whom she sorely misses. She grew up alongside her siblings Anne-Marie, Danny, and Trish. Kathy attended St. Henry’s Grammar School and Holy Family Academy, where she built lasting friendships and a strong foundation of service that continues to guide her today.

For the past 24 years, Kathy has been a dedicated member of the team at Bayonne Community Bank, known for her professionalism and kindness. Outside of work, she is a devoted parishioner of St. Henry’s Church, where she serves as a trustee, a member of the finance committee, a Eucharistic minister, and much more—always willing to give her time and talents to support her church and community.

Kathy is also an active member of various Irish organizations in Bayonne, celebrating and preserving her proud Irish heritage.

Above all, Kathy treasures her family. She is the wife of Laurence Harden of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, and the loving mother of Conor Harden and Moira Harden Wright. She is also a proud mother-in-law to Michael Wright and Peter Danzi. Her unwavering dedication to faith, service, and tradition makes her an outstanding choice as an Aide to the Grand Marshal for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.