Obituary of Mary L. Torbinski

Mary Louise Torbinski passed away on May 28, 2023, one day before her 90th birthday.

Mary was the youngest of five children born to Irish immigrant parents Dorothy Porter and James Prendergast. Her father died when she was five, a loss she would feel for the rest of her life. Strong family bonds became the most important thing to her.

Mary was raised in Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York. She worked at New York Law School, among other places, as a secretary. She married her late husband of 65 years, Richard Torbinski, and together they raised their family in Old Bridge for 27 years. They moved to Matawan for 33 years, and settled in Applewood Retirement Community in Freehold 4 years ago. Mary worked as Administrative Assistant for the German Department at Douglass College and the Art History Department at Rutgers University for over 20 years. While she had great affection for the Professors in each department, her greatest devotion was to her family.

Mary loved to cook.  From Thanksgiving dinners with eight side-dishes, to potato pierogis, to Irish Soda Bread, and everything in between, all of it was from scratch and delicious. She made curtains and pillows for her homes, and dresses for herself and her daughter. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, oil painting and poetry.

When Rich was on extended international work assignments, she traveled with him to São Paulo, Edinburgh and St. Croix. But the trip she enjoyed most of all was when she traveled with her brothers and nieces to visit her cousins in Ireland.

Mary was a devout Catholic. Everywhere she lived, including in Key Biscayne for 15 winter seasons, she joined the Rosary Society. She felt privileged to serve Communion to others as a Eucharistic Minister.  She enjoyed the Bible study classes and reciting the rosary with other residents in the chapel at Applewood. She missed volunteering at the local elementary school when Covid shut the program down.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard, who died just over 3 months ago, and siblings, Dolly, James, John, and Thomas. Mary is survived by her children, Christina MacRae and her husband, Thomas Macirowski of Newtown, PA, and Key Biscayne, FL; Richard Torbinski of Far Hills, NJ; David Torbinski of Manalapan, NJ; and Thomas Torbinski and his wife, Kimberly of Leesburg, VA; grandchildren, Cayley MacRae; Thomas and Abigail Torbinski; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on June 9, 2023 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold. Interment will be private. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Catholic Charities.