Obituary of Mary N Bernardone

Mary Nancy Bernardone, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023. She touched the lives of all who knew her, sharing her unique energy, humor, warmth and love of Italian cuisine. Mary was a devoted and loving wife to Jack Bernardone for 56 years who preceded her in death in 2011. She is survived by her sons John, James and Paul Bernardone, her daughter Annemarie and husband Robert Clark, grandchildren Nicholas and wife Krista Bernardone, David Bernardone, and Julia Clark, great grandchildren Evelyn, Rosalie and Alexander Bernardone, brother Barney Giambalvo, nephews, nieces and countless friends, many who knew her for decades. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mary was the eldest of 3 children, often looking after her younger siblings Frances who preceded her in death, and Barney. In high school, she and a close-knit group of friends started the bridge group. They played bridge on a regular basis for over 70 years, went on vacations together, celebrated New Years Eve and remained close lifelong friends. After graduating from Bushwick High School, Mary had a career as an administrative assistant for McCann Ericsson Advertising Agency, where she was a master of the lost method of shorthand. After a few years hiatus to raise her children, Mary returned to work in Queens at Heidelberg Eastern, and then in Manhattan for Springs industries. Mary was a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and enjoyed attending industry conferences throughout the United States. Mary was a devout Catholic and enjoyed being involved in the Our Lady of Mercy parish community as a lector at Sunday Masses, and member of the choir. She also performed in many plays at the church as far back as the 1970s where she played the Little Drummer Boy, and even in her 80s, she was in the chorus of the production of LaBoheme. A proud Sicilian-American, Mary was long-time member of Arba Sicula, a non-profit association devoted to Sicilian language and culture. Mary loved fashion and was a good dancer. She enjoyed entertaining, and her home was a gathering place for family and friends across the generations. At Sunday dinners, her table was always open.. and if you joined - no matter who you were - you were treated like family. An avid Jeopardy watcher and loyal Mets fan, on any given weeknight, you could find her watching Jeopardy and rooting for the NY Mets or Jets. Her departure will leave a gaping hole in our lives.