Mary T. Mallon

Born on June 22, 1931, to Molly (née Riordan) and Denis Twomey in New York City, Mary was raised on Kingsbridge Avenue in the Bronx. She attended St. Michael’s Academy in Manhattan, where she developed her strong work ethic and dedication to learning. Following her graduation, she pursued her passion for professional excellence by attending the Merchants and Bankers Secretarial School earning her credentials as a stenographer in 1950.

In 1952 Mary married the love of her life, Patrick Mallon, journeying together through life for over seventy years. Their courtship began after Patrick returned from his Army service in Korea, where he was stationed prior to the Korean War. The couple exchanged vows at St. John’s Parish in the Kingsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx where they lived until 1962. They relocated to New City, NY where they resided for the following sixty-two years.

For many years, Mary dedicated herself to caring for her six children. In 1975, she returned to the full time workforce, when her youngest child began kindergarten. Mary worked as an executive secretary for Rockland County, N.Y. and later in the office of the Superintendent of the Ramapo Central School District where she remained until 1996.

Mary was a devout Catholic and a beloved parishioner of St. Augustine’s Church in New City for over sixty years. An active member of the Catholic Big Sisters, she radiated enthusiasm, compassion, and warmth. She embraced life’s simple joys whether knitting, playing Bridge with friends, traveling with Pat, or finding great bargains at Macy’s, Boscov’s, and Lands’ End. She loved to surprise her children and grandchildren with presents. Mary enjoyed cooking and was famous for her pot roast and Irish Soda Bread, both family favorites.

Known for her kindness, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to her family, Mary lovingly cared for her grandchildren, babysitting for them until she was nearly ninety years of age. She had a remarkable ability to make each child feel truly special through her thoughtful gestures. She possessed an unintentional charm and a way of saying or doing things that, without trying, always left everyone laughing. She has blessed her family with countless memories that will keep them laughing for generations. She was truly a legend.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Patrick Mallon, her parents, Molly and Denis Twomey, her sister Beatrice, and her brother John. She is survived by her sister Noreen Sweeney of Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Additionally, she leaves behind her six children: Patricia Hayden Bull (Larry Bull) of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Thomas Mallon (Susan Cowan) of Brick, New Jersey, Eileen Walker (Mark) of Salem, New Hampshire, John Mallon (Anne) of Midlothian, Virginia, Mary Mallon (Gregory Wasinger) of Eugene, Oregon and Sheila Mallon of Bloomingburg, New York.

Mary will forever be cherished as “Grandma” by her 23 grandchildren: Kevin Hayden (Molly), Michael Hayden (Fabiana ), Daniel Hayden (Kerri Murphy), Christine Hayden, Ryan Hayden (Nicole Mignano), Michael Mallon (Christina ), Katie Breden (Jeremy), Sean Mallon (Laurel), Patrick Mallon (Lisa), Meg Henry (James), Patrick Walker (Kate Koreto) , Matthew Walker (Christine Mao), Liam Walker, Ryan Mallon, Brianna Mallon, John Mallon Jr., Skylar Mallon, Aidan Mallon, Jude Mallon, Jared Wasinger, Mary Wasinger, Marc Cancelliere Jr. and Ella Cancelliere.

She will also be deeply missed by her 17 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “G.G. Mary”: Connor, Kieran, Riley, Cassidy, Charlotte, Cooper, Delaney and Avery Hayden; Molly, Fiona, Cole, Reed, Luke, Shane and Gia Mallon; Declan and Finn Breden. “Aunt Mary” was also a treasured title she held, beloved by many nieces and nephews who adored her.

Visitation will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Augustine’s Church in New City at 10:00 AM. Mary will be laid to rest at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Nanuet, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Flok (formerly PKU News), in memory of Mary Theresa Mallon https://flok.org/about/.

The Prayer to St. Thérèse

O Little Thérèse of the Child Jesus,

Please pick a rose for me,

From the heavenly gardens

and send it to me

As a message of love,

O little flower of Jesus,

Ask God today to grant the favors

I now place with confidence

In your hands.

St. Thérèse,

Help me to always believe,

As you did,

In God’s great love for me,

So that I might imitate your

“Little Way” each day.

Amen