Mary Freda Calabro

Mary graduated from Sleepy Hollow High School, Class of 1951. Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Bernard Bruno Calabro, on April 19, 1952, who predeceased her on January 18, 2001.

Mary is survived by her four beloved boys: Bernard(Cynthia), Joseph (Christine), David (Kathleen), Daniel (Lisa Oswald); grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Bernard (Melissa), Brian (Robin), Nicole, Joseph (Julie), Ashley (Logan), Bruno (Dana), Colleen (DJ) Sanner, Kyle (Melanie), Mary, Daniel (Michelle), Amanda (Steven), Kevin (Nicole); great grandchildren who made her heart melt: Victoria, Elizabeth, Bernard, Brian, Evelyn, River, Lilly, Bruno, Brooke, Jameson, Sadie, Bryson, Daniel, James, Gabby, Adrianna, and Zoey; siblings: Shirley Notarangelo, and Gertrude Bernabo; sister-in-law: Annette Stiloski, sister and brother-in-law: Marie and Joseph Renda; and several nieces and nephews who she played a major role in their lives and loved deeply. She was predeceased in life by daughter-in-law Deborah, brothers John, James, and Robert Kirby, and sister Constance Halstead.

Mary cherished her Tarrytown childhood, recalling homework sessions with her best friend at the lighthouse. After its restoration, she loved touring it and sharing memories with her children and grandchildren. She loved working as a switchboard operator at the General Motors Plant. Her ability to remember numbers continued throughout her lifetime.

Mary’s love for cooking began at the age of twelve, when she would randomly choose a recipe from a cookbook to make for her family. After meeting Bruno, she perfected Italian cooking with the guidance of her mother-in-law, Palma Calabro. In 1984, Mary went to Italy with her three sisters-in-law and recently shared it was her favorite trip. They toured Venice, Rome and Florence and she loved the food and fashion. We will miss our Sunday dinners at "nanny's," featuring dishes like “La Ziti”, pasta fagioli, broccoli and spaghetti, turkey soup, stuffed mushrooms, and breaded everything. No Sunday meal was complete without a competitive basketball game on the driveway or a football game on the perfectly manicured lawn. For the past couple of years, the family has participated in an annual turkey bowl the day after Thanksgiving, with Nanny watching and cheering from her front porch. Mary loved cooking, and her greatest joy was having the family together.

Mary deeply loved her four sons and wore her four stone mother's ring as a representation of her affection. As she grew older, they reciprocated by providing her with care and support. The mutual love and respect were evident.

Mary was an unwavering source of support and encouragement for the entire family. She took particular pleasure in attending birthday celebrations, recitals, concerts, graduations, and sports events. Additionally, she enjoyed the daily jumble, playing cards, rummy tiles, and participating in games of left, right, center with her daughters-in-law.

Whenever you visited Mom, Nanny, Aunt Freda, or Mary’s house, she would warmly wave good-bye from the porch or front door and flick the lights. Now it is our opportunity to bid farewell to a remarkable woman who profoundly impacted our lives and will forever remain in our hearts.

Visitation will be on February 13, from 4-9 at Edward F. Carter, Montrose, NY. Mass will be on February 14, at St. Christopher Church, Buchanan at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.