Obituary of Mary LaMagna

Monroe - Mary LaMagna, 82, of Monroe, beloved wife of Joseph, passed peacefully at a Bangor hospital Friday April 25, 2014. She was born in Ceppaloni Italy January 9, 1932, the eldest daughter of Giustino and Concetta Zerella. Mary grew up in Brooklyn New York where she graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School and attended Pace University. She worked for several years as a secretary to the Vice President of New York Trust located in the heart of Manhattan. Mary loved living and working in New York City, outpacing its hustle and bustle with her own boundless energy and charm, keen sense of fashion, and spirit of adventure. Mary was well known for her impeccable hair style, high heel shoes, and stockings with perfectly straight seams down her legs to her shoes. She loved to travel and took off on her own to places like Canada, Florida, Memphis, and her favorite city of all, New Orleans. She married the love of her life, Joseph whom attests to the fact that he had fallen in love with her from the age of two when she hit him with a rock. He also insists that she made him an offer he couldn’t refuse by threatening him into marriage. They moved to Long Island New York where Mary raised their three children. Mary always possessed a natural and deep insight into people. Her knack for counseling and advising found a great outlet and was in great demand during her 20-year employment as a receptionist at James Funeral Homes. After retirement, she and her husband moved to Monroe where they have resided for 25 years. Even in a rural setting, people were naturally drawn to Mary’s spirit and enthusiasm for love and life. The door was always open no matter the day or the hour. Mary took pride in her ten grandchildren, many of whom she chaperoned on school trips and international adventures. She formed long-lasting relationships with all of her travel companions. In fact, international tour directors often asked her to accompany them on future travels. Mary is survived by her spouse of nearly 56 years, Joseph; daughter Maria and husband Bob, grandchildren Mary, Robert, Stephen, Joseph & Jennifer; daughter Camille and husband Mark, grandchildren Arthur, Jennie & Alexandra; and son Joseph and wife Betsy, grandchildren Jay & Alex. Mary is also survived by her sister Jennie Contello , sister-in-law Mary Tornabene and husband Sal, and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Monday, April 28th at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 am Tuesday, April 29th at St. Francis of Assisi Church 81 Court St. Belfast, ME Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave Belfast, ME 04915.