Obituary of Mary Barbara

Mary Barbara, 98, passed peacefully from this world on the morning of April 14, 2020. 

A proud matriarch, Mary was married 55 wonderful years to her late husband, Joseph Barbara, and together they created a family that was forever the center of their lives.

One of five children of Sicilian immigrants, Mary was born and raised in Brooklyn, where she graduated from Tilden High School before working as a skilled seamstress in her brothers' garment factory for several years, while at the same time being a homemaker and devoted mother.  After retirement, Mary and Joe enjoyed many winters at their condo in Florida with friends and family. She enjoyed her loved ones, who had grown to include sons and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren who adored her. Saturdays were for family, and she spent each one surrounded by those she loved, playing with the little ones, laughing, smiling and cooking the best of dinners. Mary could be found in her garden tending to her flowers and some of the best tomato plants ever grown.  

Mary will be dearly missed by her sister Margarite Gilliberti, her children, Josephine Greco (Joseph), Carl Barbara and Maria Turchiano (Jerry), her grandchildren Carl (Cathy), Joseph, Thomas (Laura), Erica (Bilal), Jon and Stephanie, as well as 5 beloved great grandchildren who were her proudest legacy.  She was also a loving aunt to very many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her dear husband Joseph, loving parents Antonio and Maria (Saladino) Lodato, brothers Frank and Salvatore (Sam) Lodato, and sister Vita (Eva) Gandolfo.

Arrangements will be facilitated by Marine Park Funeral Home with interment to follow at Canarsie Cemetery in Brooklyn.

A memorial to honor her love and legacy will be held at a later date, when families can gather once more. In the meantime, please leave your memories of Mary in the comments below.  It would bring us great joy in a sad time to read about our beloved Mom, Grandma and Nonni.