Obituary of Mary Arena

Mary was born into the Great Depression on March 28, 1933.  Following that she grew up during World War II.  She would tell stories of waiting in line to get sugar, and dancing with soldiers at USO dances to boost their morale.  They were hard times, but overall she had mostly good memories of growing up in a big close family with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mary was one of five siblings, one brother was stillborn, one brother died as an infant of whooping cough, both deaths were devastating to her family.  But into adulthood she had a surviving brother Sunny and a sister Jeannie who she was very close to who both predeceased her.

Mary was one of the only members of her family to graduate high school as well, which she was very proud of.  She would have gone to college except it was frowned upon for women at that time, so she followed her mother's and sister's footsteps and worked as a seamstress for a while in the beginning of her career.  After she married she worked as a legal secretary and went to school at night to become a court reporter.  That career didn't last since it upset her to see defendants brought out in handcuffs so she didn't like court.  Also her five-year old daughter was sick, so she could only work part time.  She eventually became a legal secretary for two wonderful lawyers whom she loved since they worked around her schedule and helped her greatly get through a very hard time in her life.  She lovingly would always refer to them as her "Mr. Feinmans."

Mary was "fixed up" with her husband Angelo by her father whose best friend (cumpare) had a nephew she just had to meet.  She was not happy about this at first, but once she saw Angelo's blue eyes she fell in love and the rest is history!  Having come from a big family and being together all the time, she was extremely close to all her family, and eventually her husband's family when she married.  Every weekend was spent with family of one side or the other, and sometimes all together.  She loved telling stories of her family and growing up, especially at a place affectionately known by all as "the country house.”  So many good memories happened there for the whole family.

Mary was a fantastic cook, and you could find her cooking anytime of the day or night.  She could whip up a five course meal with scraps in the fridge and whatever was in the pantry on a moment's notice.  A friend recently commented how she loved Mary's dumplings calling it her Sicilian Asian style.  

Mary was a needlepoint artist and belonged to a group called the Embroiders Guild of America for many years and created many masterpieces.  After Angelo retired, she also taught him to needlepoint so he became a stitcher as well and created many masterpieces.  She also belonged to the Bead Society of New Jersey and created many stunning pieces of costume jewelry.  She loved her bling, and the bigger the better.  She also had some real gemstones that were at 100 karats or more! Very big!

Mary was also a crocheter and a knitter, making many beautiful creations over the years like blankets, sweaters and many other things.  She would always tell the story of how she learned how to crochet over the many hours of sitting vigil at her sick daughter's bedside and to keep her sanity that's how she passed the time.  Mary was a devoted mother.

Mary had great taste, she always dressed elegantly with fabulous jewelry and accessories.  She also always had beautifully decorated houses.  After renting apartments in Brooklyn, she and Angelo were proud to save enough money to buy a house in Staten Island and lived there for many years.  Eventually she sold and moved to New Jersey after her daughter got married and lived there until deciding to move to Florida where she lived for ten years, eventually moving back to New Jersey.  The Florida house was her favorite, it was her pride and joy since she got to build it from the ground up!

Mary was always a very outgoing and social person.  Even after retirement she and Angelo enjoyed attending the senior center and the various functions there, also taking day trips to various places with the local college which they enjoyed.  She was always in attendance at her grandkids sports games all over New Jersey.  And when living in Florida always flew back and forth for major holidays and birthdays.  

There is so much more to be said about Mary's amazing 91-year old life, these are just some of the highlights.  How do you encompass someone's life in a few paragraphs?

Mary loved her husband and was married for almost 62 years when he passed away.  She had one daughter Angela whom she loved with all her heart and soul.  She loved her grandchildren Steven and Christopher immensely, and eventually their wives Theresa and Christina.  She was blessed to meet her two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Dominic, and was always excited to go see the babies.

Mary was a good-hearted, kind, loving, generous soul.  I hope you finally made your way home, Mary, and the rest of the family was waiting for you with open arms!  May you rest in everlasting peace!

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 3:00 to 6:30 PM with her funeral service to follow.  Interment will be private.  For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.