Mary

Roberts

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Roberts of Cliffside Park, NJ; cherished wife, sister, aunt, beloved mother, Nana, and great-grandmother, who left us peacefully on March 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 15, 1933, in New York, NY during the Great Depression, Mary was the third of five children born to JosephDonegan and Margaret Touhey, both originally of Gurteen, County Sligo, Ireland. Growing up in a period marked by resilience and hope, she embodied both qualities throughout her life by spreading love, wisdom, and generosity to everyone around her.

Mary's formative years were spent in New York City where she attended Cathedral High School and fostered a lifelong passion for her Catholic faith. Her dedication her education and her spirited nature would become the cornerstones of her remarkable life.

In 1960, Mary married Thomas William Roberts, of West New York, NJ, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. The 64-year union would be marked by love and companionship that formed the foundation for a vibrant, Catholic family. They were blessed with four devoted sons.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas of Cliffside Park, NJ, former Superintendent of Dumont School District; her four children and their spouses, including Thomas A. Roberts and Carolina Fornos of Brooklyn, NY; Brian C. and Tara Roberts of Wyckoff, NJ; Keith J. and Carol Roberts of Old Tappan, NJ and Kyle W. and Shelagh Roberts of Alexandria, VA. Mary was a pillar of strength, love and smiles for her eleven grandchildren: Sarah, Cate Gavin (Patrick), Kyle, Kevin, James, Will, Keith Austin, Samantha, Lucy, Ellen, and Fiona. Her joy was multiplied with the arrival of her adorable great-granddaughter, Grace Mary Gavin, who brought immense happiness to her final year.

Mary's life was a portrait of devotion to family and marked by intelligence reflected in countless New York Times crossword puzzles which she could solve before she finished her morning coffee. As a mother her strength, guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped the lives of her sons, creating a legacy of kindness and integrity that will endure through generations. She built a beautiful, loving home filled with warmth and always a home-cooked meal on the ready for any son, friend, or guest. Mary was known for her generous spirt and spent tireless hours entertaining the family at holidays, a testament to her knack for bringing people together.

To her family, Mary was a source of love, encouragement, and hugs. Her favorite line, "I love you more," reflects a life full of purpose and indeed, love. Her advice, often delivered with a gentle smile and open heart, will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

Visitation Hours will be at A.K. Macagna Funeral Home, 495 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park New Jersey on Monday March 11th from 4 to 8 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 395 Delano Place, Fairview, NJ on Tuesday, March 12that 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.