Mary T. McNulty's Obituary
Mary T. (nee Williams) McNulty, died Saturday night, June 4, 2016 surrounded by the love of family at her home at Ranson Ridge Assisted Living in Huntersville, NC. Born on May 1, 1923 in New York City to Irish immigrants, Patrick and Delia Williams, she was the youngest (by minutes) of six spirited redheads.
She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Edward James McNulty and her beloved siblings Jack Williams , Edward Williams, Rita McAvey, Katherine Sears, and her twin, Nancy Kearins and her cousin Christopher Dean. As teenagers, when their father died suddenly and their ailing mother died not long after, these amazing people found the strength to raise themselves to adulthood and remained close their entire lives. The Williams Family resilience and strong sense of family has been an inspiration to three generations. In 1945, Mary married her sweetheart, Jim McNulty at St Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and spent the next 30 years raising their children in The Bronx where she cherished taking her kids (and others) on adventures. Her home was always open to her children's friends who over the last three years have rediscovered her on Facebook or challenged her on Words with Friends. She was a beloved Girl Scout leader brave enough to take the girls horseback riding and tent camping at MerryWood and manage cookie sales. While motherhood was her primary job, she worked as a Secretary at NYU on the Bronx Campus and later at the Washington Square Campus in lower Manhattan.
In 1974, Mary and Jim moved to Washingtonville, NY where at mid-life this city girl learned how to drive and took up skiing. Her love of animals led her to work as a bookkeeper at the local veterinary office. She was an avid reader who loved to knit, crochet and sew. She had a special place in her heart for all animals and took great pleasure in birdwatching. But by far, the most joy in her life was spending time with her three children and their families as well as her many nieces and nephews. Mary had an eternal twinkle in her eye and was always ready for hugs and kisses. She had a hidden talent for writing heartfelt poetry, but she will best be remembered for sharing her favorite jokes, her unconditional love, and her stash of m&m's.
Mary is survived by her children and their spouses Jim (and Maureen) McNulty of South Orange, NJ , Carol (and Charlie) Bonar of Charlotte, NC, and Terry (and Tim) Matthews of Binghamton, NY. Also by her beloved grandchildren Kelly Bonar Parrish (and Mark), Michael Matthews (and Amy), Keith Bonar, Katherine McNulty Crenshaw (and Andrew), Amy McNulty (and Siwat Thitiwatana), Sheila Bonar (and Jorge Trigo-Alvarez), Jason Matthews (and Vanessa Cariddi), James Matthews and Kristen Bonar. And by her greatest treasures, her great grandchildren: Kate, Lauren, Kevin, Aidan, Sean, James, Colin, Kayla, Sam and Rowan.
She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Mary Cashman Williams of Danbury, CT, and more than 20 nieces and nephews...who have cherished her as the matriarch of their family and showered her with love.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Lake Norman and the staff and residents at Ranson Ridge for their kindness and support.
To honor Mary please consider signing up to be an organ donor (www.donatelife.net)
or making a memorial donation to your favorite children's charity.
It is with gratitude for the wonderful time spent with Mary that her extended family says goodbye to their "Sparkplug".
A celebration of her life will be held at St. Mary's Church on Monday, July 11, 2016 in 42 Goshen Avenue, Washingtonville NY.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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