Obituary of Mary Mascaro

WESTFIELD - Mary Leah (Anderson) Mascaro, of Westfield, N.Y., died peacefully at her home of five years, Absolut Care of Westfield on October 10, 2012. Born April 11, 1919, in San Antonio, Texas, she was the daughter of John H. and Clara Diaz Anderson. Mary Leah graduated from St. Mary's Parochial School, furthering her education by completing the commercial program at Draughon's Business College in San Antonio. Texas remained a part of her soul. During World War II, her employment at Normoyle Ordnance Depot, introduced her to Robert S. Mascaro of Westfield, N.Y., who was stationed there. "That one's mine," she declared to her work colleagues when Bob first walked into her office. Married on August 13, 1943, in Texarkana, Texas, they traveled to Westfield on a troop train to make their home. Moving from a city to a small town challenged Mary Leah, but she soon made lifelong friends and always remembered from her own experience how important it is to welcome the newcomers, a belief she exemplified. Mary Leah, an active member of St. James Major Catholic Church, served as an original member of the Parish Council. She and her husband worked for years as parish advocates for Catholic Charities. A lifetime member of the Altar and Rosary Society, she also devoutly served as a Eucharistic Minister in her parish. A founding member of the Westfield Counseling Service, she derived great pride from that accomplishment. Employing her skills as a secretary, she worked in the office at Westfield Academy and Central School. Taking a maternity leave, while nurturing her own children she also guided several youngsters for whom she provided daycare in her home over the years. Returning to WACS, Mrs. Mascaro served several years as an assistant in the instructional materials department. In that capacity she fondly was known as "Aunt Mary" by many student assistants to whom she gave respect, guidance and purpose, making a lasting difference in their lives. Further, many first­ year, student and substitute teachers from WACS are ever grateful for her assistance, patience and humor. A gracious hostess, she welcomed many of these and other friends into her home and around her dining room table. She loved to entertain and always enjoyed attending or giving a party, maintaining her reputation as a hostess while a resident at Absolut Care. Mary Leah was predeceased by her husband, who died February 2, 2005. She is survived by her daughter Joan Caruso of Westfield, son Rick Mascaro (Judith) of Anderson, South carolina, daughter Muffi Mascaro (Rob Farkas) of Erie, Pa., and "daughter of the heart" Lorna Penny of Westfield. Also surviving is one granddaughter Marci (Stuart) Davis and two great granddaughters Ara Belle and Aja Pink, all of Longmont, Colorado. Friends may call on Friday afternoon, Nov. 23, 2012 at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield from 4 - 6 PM, and are invited to attend the memorial Mass to be held on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 11 Am at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, 15 Union St., Westfield, NY. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery, on Memorial Day 2013. Mary Leah requested that those who wish to honor her contribute to St. Dominic's Church, 15 Union St., Westfield, NY, 14787 or Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Mascaro family a message of sympathy.