Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, dedication, and selfless caring. She is remembered for her warm heart, her delicious meals, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She shared her deep Catholic faith with all those around her. May her soul rest in eternal peace with our savior Jesus Christ.
Mary was a smart and compassionate individual who always strived to bring happiness to others. She had a passion for cooking and baking, and her delicious creations brought joy to her family and friends. In addition to her culinary skills, Mary also enjoyed sewing. She found great satisfaction in creating beautiful and functional pieces, especially for her young children.
As a homemaker, Mary dedicated her time and energy to forming a warm and loving environment for her family. She took great enjoyment in her role as mother and attained fulfillment in caring for all her loved ones. Her nurturing nature and selflessness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mary was a Clinical Dietetic Technician obtaining an Associate in Applied Science in May 1976 from the State University of New York, Agricultural and Technical College at Canton, NY. She obtained her first Dietetic position at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, New London, CT. Mary met her husband, Theodore (Ted) Serbinski, a U.S. Navy submarine sailor, in this town through a mutual friend. Mary and Ted were married at the Shepard of the Sea Chapel, Groton, CT, in Oct 1979, beginning her demanding adventures as a dedicated military spouse.
Two months after they were married, Ted received orders to San Diego, CA where Mary continued her Dietetic Technician career at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, CA. In 1981, Mary became pregnant with their first child, Theodore Stanson. In the middle of her pregnancy, Ted was selected for the U.S. Navy Enlisted Commissioning Program and received orders to attend the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID. Here, she delivered their first son Theodore Stanson at Gritman Hospital by Dr. Charlie Brown. At this point in her career, she was the only registered Dietetic Technician in the State of Idaho. She valued education and believed in its power to shape individuals and communities but made the selfless decision to put her career aside, to focus on her growing family and new role as a full-time mother.
In 1983 Mary became pregnant with their second son, Matthew Joseph. At the end of college Ted received orders to attend Officer Candidate School followed by Naval Surface Warfare Officer School both located in Newport, RI. While Ted attended training in Newport, Mary and their first son stayed with her parents, Orin and Blanche, at their home in Potsdam, NY. God was with Mary as she delivered Matthew in Potsdam during Ted’s three-week break between schools early in 1984. When Ted completed schooling he received orders to serve on a destroyer at Norfolk Naval Base, Norfolk, VA. While stationed there, Mary and Ted had two additional children, Lynette Marie and James Anthony. Both children were born at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA and by the same Naval doctor.
Mary and Ted eventually settled in Stafford, VA with their four children in 1994, after additional moves to Newport, RI and Monterey, CA.
Mary is survived by her husband, Theodore, of Stafford, VA; son Theodore Stanson of Beverly Hills, MI with grandchildren Theodore, Anthony, Lillian, and Michael; son Matthew of Frederica, DE with wife Lorraine and grandchildren Owen and Emma; daughter Lynette Whitesell of Stafford, VA with husband Andrew and grandchild Elijah; son James of Clawson, MI; brother Bruce Kent and Jeanne of Potsdam, NY. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Orin and Blanche Kent, and brother Orin Kent II and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Betsy).
Mary was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Marine Memorial Chapel in Quantico, VA where she found solace and community. Her faith was very important to her, and she found comfort in her religious beliefs.
Mary's life will be celebrated with a visitation 6-8pm on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Road, Stafford, VA 22554. Her family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her life. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated for her at 12:00pm on September 26, 2023, in the Marine Memorial Chapel, located at 3251 Embry Loop, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA. She will be buried at the Quantico National Cemetery immediately following mass.
In lieu of flowers Mary would have enjoyed a donation to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Teds company will match donations to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital if Ted is the one making the donation. If you would like your donation matched please send Ted your donation to the funeral home 186 Shelton Shop Road. Stafford, VA 22554 Please make check out to Theodore Serbinski.
All non-military guests must register through the Visitor Control Center located at: Bldg. 20731 Telegraph Rd. Stafford, VA 22554. You can pre enroll at https://dbids-global-enroll.dmdc.mil/preenrollui/#!/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com for the Serbinski family.
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