Obituary of Mary E. Lungaro

Mary E. (Cruger) Lungaro, 85, of Garnerville, NY passed away on February 7, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born January 28, 1939 in the Bronx. She spent her entire life taking care of her family, whether as the oldest of five looking out for her younger siblings, or as a mother of four children, grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of two. She moved from the Bronx with her parents Ernest and Elizabeth (Betty) Cruger, along with her siblings. They settled in Garnerville in 1954 and Mary graduated from Haverstraw High School in 1956. She lived in the North Rockland community, which she loved, for the rest of her life and raised her family there in a caring, nurturing and loving home. Mary worked for the North Rockland School District in the Payroll Department where she retired this past spring after 40 years of service. She will be remembered by all who knew her there as someone who was always willing to help with a smile and a kind word. Mary is survived by her children: Liborio Lungaro (Wendy), Charles Lungaro, Jr. (Nancy), Ernest Lungaro, and Nicole Beckerle (Joseph). She was at her best as a grandmother to: Lauren (Paul), Mallory, Lisa (Kevin), Bryan (Jaime), Leo, Amanda (Ryan), Daniel (Iris), Hannah, Matthew and Sarah, and great grandchildren Jaxon and Brody. Grandma Lungaro rarely missed a sporting event, school show or function for her grandchildren and was their biggest cheerleader. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Additionally, Mary is also survived by her siblings: Ruth Schroeder, Charles Cruger and Jane Jusino. Sisters-in-law Toni Cruger and Alexis Cruger. Mary was pre-deceased by her parents, brother William Cruger and brother-in-law Fred Schroeder. Mary’s home was the focal point of all holidays and get-togethers. She was known for weekend barbecues, birthday celebrations, but most importantly, Christmas dinner - which featured not one, but two meals - dozens of relatives, as well as, lots of love and laughter. As a mom and grandma Mary loved nothing more than spending time with her family, which more often than not, included shopping and coffee. She also enjoyed vacationing with her family. Traveling to places like Disney, Mexico, Hawaii, California, Napa Valley and the Jersey Shore. However, it was the family trip to Ireland to celebrate her 80th birthday, which fulfilled a life-long dream to visit the land of her Irish heritage. Mary was loved beyond words by her family and friends and will be missed dearly. To celebrate a life well lived, friends and family are invited to pay tribute to her at T.J. McGowan & Sons Funeral Home (133 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY) on Monday February 12th from 4pm - 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church (115 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY) on Tuesday February 13th at 10am. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Haverstraw. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to United Hospice of Rockland and Arc of Rockland.