Mary Crawford Reining

Mary Veronica Crawford Reining, born in Wilmington, DE on September 5, 1940, lost her weeks long battle when her heart failed on February 21, 2024 at hospital in Naples with daughters at her side. She was called to her creator. She is survived by sister, Margaret Crawford Martins of Fullerton, CA, and sister and brother in-law Elizabeth and William Schmidt of Littleton, MA and sister and brother in-law Mary and Paul Winters of New York City, NY, daughter Catherine Reining of San Francisco, CA, son Robert Reining of Newton, MA, daughter and wife Eileen and Melanie Reining of Salem, MA and son John Reining of Woonsocket, RI. Also survived by nieces Heather Schmidt of Bondi, Australia and Kristin (and husband Timothy) Zubak, grandnephews Jake and Caleb, grandniece Emme of Melrose, MA and nephews Sean Winters and Terrence Winters of New York City, NY.

Mary attended Christ Our King elementary school then Ursaline Academy in Wilmington, DE followed by undergraduate studies at College of New Rochelle in New York earning a BA in 1962. She went on to Assumption University in Worcester, MA earning an MAT in 1963. She taught in classroom and at homes for disabled students in the Worcester, MA and Woonsocket, RI areas during and after graduate school. Mary met her husband, Francis (Frank) E. Reining, during college in the Glee Club performing shows around New York City. They married in Wilmington, DE at Christ our King church with reception at the DuPont Country Club 1964. They settled initially in Westchester, New York to start a family.

Mary was a juried and accomplished artist where her works won awards across the country. Frank’s career kept them on the move while raising a family, ultimately settling on Marco Island in 1998 where Mary is well known for her vibrant watercolor paintings. Mary’s experience living in Belgium was a constant source of treasured memories where travel, culture and cuisine enriched her life. She spent several Summers studying and painting in Florence, Italy, the only viable alternative to her Summers on the beaches of Matunuck and Narragansett, RI.

Mary was a devoted wife, upholding her vows ultimately caring for Frank as Alzheimer’s took hold of him. Mary was beloved mother and pillar of the family serving as the “go to” parent for her children providing what was needed at all times. Mary was an unconditional friend, bringing joy and light to those around her. Mary personified the artist lifestyle, her vision and beauty are expressed in her paintings and in the eccentric collections she leaves behind. Mary was a valued and committed healer, working with individuals and groups to help others achieve peace and comfort in their lives. Her work continues, as we know, she has joined her beloved angels to keep watch over us all. We pray she is surrounded by pink carnations. Her adopted feline companions, Sammy and Tara, will miss her affection.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 am at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Support Network of Naples, FL, or the Marco Island Center for the Arts or The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Naples, FL.