Mary A. Masters
Deeply devoted to her faith, and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend
Mrs. Mary A. Masters (nee Minervino) of Kearny, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 18, 2018 at the age of 92 1/2, surrounded by her loving family.
Visiting is at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny on Monday from 7-9 PM and on Tuesday from 3-5 & 7-9 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen Church in Kearny on Wednesday at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Mary, the daughter of the late Rocco and Filomena (nee Catania) Minervino was born in Newark, NJ on October 17, 1925. Mary was raised and lived in Newark before moving to Kearny in December of 1968 with her husband and four children. Mary met the love of her life, Anthony Masters at the wedding of a friend in 1941. Their profound love for each other endured through WWII and was only made stronger with the love letters exchanged. After the war, Anthony and Mary were married on September 21, 1947 at St. Rocco's Church in Newark. Mary was employed as a secretary for years at Bell Telephone Co., and left their employ to become a full time home maker and mother. Her life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, and she was very involved in the church activities at Blessed Sacrament Church in Newark. After moving to Kearny in 1968, Mary was a faithful parishioner of St. Stephen's Church.
Summers were spent at their home at the Jersey Shore. The house was always full of love, happiness, family, friends, and the smell of her Italian cooking. Mary was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. Her true happiness was not in material possessions, but in the boundless love of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To her, these were her shining treasures. She was and always will be remembered as a source of love, strength and support for her family and friends. Mary was a woman of great faith, empathy, compassion, understanding and selflessness; and you would always feel better after speaking with her. She knew just what to say, and it always came from her heart. Mary had a sparkling personality, always ready to tell a joke, a contagious laugh, and a beautiful spirit that exuded her love of life, along with the unforgettable smile on her face and twinkle in her eyes. Mary was also famous for the hats she wore- she had her Sunday hats, seasonal and fancy hats. Mary could always be found on a crowded beach just by looking for a white, blue, pink or floral bathing cap.
Mary's greatest pride and joy were her four children- Anthony, Alan, Mary Ann and Paul. She was their biggest cheerleader in life; always ready with hugs and kisses, tissues to wipe away tears and soothing words to calm fears. Forever instilling in her children the true meaning of family and to always have faith in God. She truly lived by example and inspired her children to always do their best. Her favorite saying was, "Live, love, laugh". Live every moment with God in your heart, laugh everyday, and love beyond measure.
Mary's faith in God never wavered throughout her life, even when she faced heartache, or with challenging health issues. She never complained, but instead rejoiced in the Lord for all that she was given.
Mary was predeceased by the love of her life, Anthony in 2005. She was also predeceased by her dear siblings Lena, Catherine, Anna, Tony and Al.
Mary leaves behind to mourn her loss, treasure her memory and celebrate her remarkable life her beloved and devoted children Anthony (Linda) Masters, Alan (Rose) Masters, Mary Ann (James) Vezos, Paul Masters and Gloria Masters; her adored and cherished grandchildren James and his girlfriend Katie, Christopher, Kimberly (Jonathan), Anthony (Melinda), Michael and Alan; her treasured great-grandchildren Logan, Jonathan, Jace and Everly. Mary also leaves behind to cherish her memory many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and a multitude of wonderful friends, many who called her "mom". A very special recognition to Mary's adored niece Cathy, who was the "daughter of her heart", along with dear friends Donna and Debbie who were also Mary's "daughters of her heart".
Mary was and always will be the epitome of dignity and grace and she truly was of the Greatest Generation. A very special thank you from Mary's family to all of the kind and compassionate nurses from Barnabas Health Home Care and Hospice, and her home health aide Maria. They all took loving care of Mary during her final weeks at home.
In honor of Mary, tell your loved ones how much you love them; say a prayer for her; tell a joke, but most of all, remember her with a smile and love in your heart.