Mary Warner (nee McGovern), Harrington Park resident since 1963, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 93. She was the beloved wife of the late John Warner and the cherished mother of Elizabeth Falkenstern and husband William, Margaret Warner and husband Larry Bader, Joseph Warner and wife Anita, John Warner and wife Valerie and Vincent Warner and wife Amy. Mary was the proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear brother Bernard McGovern.
Mary had many interests throughout her life. She was an avid reader, who enjoyed swimming, walking traveling and gardening. She graduated with a BS as a registered nurse from the College of Mount St Vincent, spending hours each day on the subway commuting from her home in Brooklyn all the way to Riverdale in the Bronx. She started her career as a visiting nurse In New York. After her youngest started school, Mary worked for 22 years at Pascack Valley Hospital. She was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park. For many years Mary was a Eucharistic Minister at Mass. As a long-standing member of the Social Concerns Committee, she helped provide meals and shelter to the homeless in our community. She also enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of her weekly Bible Study Group.
On Wednesday, March 17 at 7pm, there will be a memorial for Mary where friends and family can share memories on Zoom. The Zoom link can be found here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89350610559?pwd=WGpSeHZWR2NGSWJOamxsUDV3Zk83dz09 Meeting ID: 893 5061 0559 Passcode: 555075
Due to the pandemic, the Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 18 at 10am, will be limited to Mary’s children, but other family members and friends can view the livestream Mass through the link below: https://boxcast.tv/channel/mary-warner-funeral-mass-136951
This link will still be active after the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Preston Center of Compassion a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides direct services to help women, children and families in need in the Bronx. http://www.prestoncenterofcompassion.org/counseling-service. Mary started her caring-giving career in the Bronx and Preston Center of Compassion is a charity that is very meaningful to her.
My husband and I worked with Mary for many years at Pascack Valley Hospital. Mary was the night shift nurse who always greeted the day shift nurses with a tired smile and a joke. She was such a dedicated worker and through her actions helped me become a better nurse.
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with all of you during this very sad time. Aunt Mary was full of warmth, wit, intelligence and kindness. I felt particularly blessed to have had her as my godmother. I could not think of a more wonderful role model. When I was a young nurse working in NYC, she took the time to invite me to New Jersey. Vinnie was just a little boy but all dressed up for our luncheon outing.
Over the years, there was always an effort to stay connected with our annual New Jersey brunches, the trips to the Finger Lakes and even a visit to Nevada. Since she was always young at heart, her age never seemed to slow her down. What a loss to have to say, “goodbye.” May you and your loved ones find peace in the memories.
Liz, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Continue to think of all the wonderful memories you have with your Mom.
God Bless.
Jacqui
Mary Warner:
A woman who respected people and their views and likewise was respected by people of diverse opinions. She knew what entitlement looked like but never felt personal entitlement. Mary never forgot to send someone a thank you note to recognize an act of kindness, a job well done, an accomplishment achieved, a party well planned, or to acknowledge a thoughtful gift.
Our grandsons, William and Shane, were very lucky boys to have known and enjoy three of their great grandmothers. Grandma Mary visibly loved them and appreciated and admired every aspect of their youth and energy. She said they made her tired just watching them yet kept her young. At family parties, Mary was always in the middle of the conversation and action. A strong willed woman, she did her homework and knew what she was talking about when expressing her political views. Her endurance was admirable. Always a kind word, always a sweet disposition, and your conversations with her inevitably ending in laughter. A life to be emulated.
May Good bless you, Mary, and keep you in His hands.
For my years at OLV Mary was faithful participant in the Rosary Society and devotion in The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy God Blessed is with her presence and I am forever blessed to have known her . Sincerely, and missing you sweetheart, Lenore