Mary T. Magnuski

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Native Staten Islander and life-long West Brighton resident Mary Teresa Dicks Magnuski died at home surrounded by family on Tuesday. She was 96.

One of 11 children, she was born 1927 to Joseph and Theresa Dicks, immigrants from Newfoundland.

The Rev. Terry Troia said, “Mrs. Magnuski was a larger than life human gift wrapped in a tiny unassuming frame of an Irish grandmother: Her eyes sparkled. She spoke gently. She loved fiercely. She lived fully for her family, for her church, for Ireland, and most importantly for her God.”

Much of her early life was centered around her parish, Sacred Heart. A Staten Island native and graduate of Sacred Heart elementary school, she was baptized at the West Brighton Roman Catholic church, where she also received all of her sacraments.

A graduate of St. Peter’s High School for Girls’ Class of ‘44, Mary developed a passion for basketball. She followed her alma mater’s team until the closure of the school in 2011.

Mary Magnuski

Mary Magnuski, of West Brighton, stays warm with a cup of chicken soup outside the Staaten during the inaugural Forest Avenue Holiday Stroll Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005.

ST. PETER’S GIRLS BASKETBALL FAN

After a brief career in Manhattan, she married Raymond A. Magnuski in 1949. Her daughter, Louise Steward, said she established a “loving home for her nine children.”

Mary was a faithful and active parishioner of Blessed Sacrament parish, West Brighton, until her passing. She coached sports teams, led a Girl Scout troop, served as a Eucharistic minister, choir member, lector and parish council officer. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Guild and the parish senior group.

In the midst of her community work, she made her livelihood for 25 years at St. Vincent’s Hospital, now Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. She retired as the supervisor for Financial Screening. Post-retirement, she continued to support the hospital through her activities in the Women’s Auxiliary and as a Eucharistic minister.

Mary Magnuski

From left to right, St. Peter's Girls School alumnae MaryLou Widmer, Mary Haugen, Barbara Huszcza, Helen Mortimer and Mary Magnuski.

COMPASSION AND BEAUTY

Her son-in-law, Michael McVey Sr., said, “During her time at Saint Vincents on her coffee breaks and lunch hours she would instead wander the halls when she knew that a baby was born or a friend was hospitalized or someone had surgery or someone was in visiting a very sick person and that someone needed a lift. She would visit those people and touch him with her compassion and her beauty and then go back to work.”

The Magnuski matriarch enjoyed many activities including vacations at the Jersey Shore, international travel with family and friends, reading a good book and attending Broadway plays. She was active in the Monsignor Dorney Columbiettes, Red Hats (Zinger chapter) and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Rev. Troia added, “Nothing on earth could sway when she set her mind to something. Such determination, devotion and dedication to God is rare in most humans and even rarer In today’s world. She leaves a legacy of love and devotion to God for her children, grand children and all the generations of descendants to come. A grand and Godly welcome to the Kingdom Mrs. Magnuski!

Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband Raymond, brothers Michael, John (Fr. Leon), Charles, Joseph, Vincent, Thomas and William Dicks and sisters Adelaide Burke and Margaret Cammarano.

Mary is survived by her sister, Kathleen Adinolfi, her sons William (Genn), Raymond (Terri), James (Deborah), John (Rita) Magnuski and her daughters Mary Christine McVey (Michael), Louise Steward, Katherine Donnelly, Sheila Glover and Elizabeth Clark (Donald). Her legacy continues with 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The wake will be held at Harmon Funeral Home at 571 Forest Avenue, West Brighton, on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 10 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1091 Forest Avenue on Sat., Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.