Mary Josephine Armstrong (nee Grassano), 64 entered peacefully into Heaven on December 17, 2011. Mary was born to Rocco Grassano and Julia McKeon Grassano, on July 31, 1947 in Belleek,County Fermanagh,Northern Ireland. She was raised inPaterson,New Jerseywhere she attended St. Theresa’s Elementary School andBenedictineAcademy. Mary then attendedCaldwellCollegefor Women (’65), where she double majored in History and Education. She went on to earn her Masters Degree inReadingatSetonHallUniversity.
Mary began her teaching career at St. Catherine’s in Glen Rock before her long teaching career in the New Milford Public Schools. Mary taught numerous grade levels and subject areas before retiring in 2005.
On July 19, 1975, Mary married Clarence Armstrong atHolyTrinityChurch. The couple resided inHackensackbefore moving to Northvale in 1978. Once settled in their new home Mary began her most important job in the world…Mom to Kara and Keith. Mary was an active participant in numerous organizations. She had an extraordinary large number of friends.
Mary was a role model for all who knew her. Her tremendous faith in God was evident in all aspect of her life. She was devoted to the Blessed Mother andSt.Theresa, The Little Flower. Mary attended mass at St. Anthony’s Parish and participated in the Women’s Cornerstone. Her daily routine began with praying the Rosary. Her faith stayed with her until the end of her life.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Clarence; her children, Kara and Keith; her father Rocco and siblings, Rocco, Lillian and Anthony. She was a beloved sister-in-law and devoted aunt to numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Visitation will take place, Wednesday, December 21 from 7-9PM, Thursday, December 22 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Anthony R. Pizzi Funeral Home,Paris Avenue, Northvale (pizzifuneralhome.com). A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church at 10 AM, Friday, December 22 with interment to follow atHolySpulchreCemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary’s Memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.
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