Mary went to nursing school in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where she received a registered nurse diploma. In October of 1952, she married David Pantano. They moved to Detroit, Michigan soon after. David died at the age of 46 in 1969, leaving Mary with five children whose ages, at the time, ranged from three months to eleven-years-old. She returned to nursing in 1975 and practiced at Father Murray’s Nursing Home until 1995. She began her career as a charge nurse and retired from Father Murray’s as the Assistant Director of Nursing. Mary spent many seasons with her children and their friends as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Troop Leader. She also volunteered as a nurse at camps for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was an active member of the St. Clement Rosary Altar Society. Following retirement, she became an active volunteer at St. Clement, organizing fundraisers, assisting with daily masses, and working as a sacristan. There was no volunteer duty too big or small for her to manage. Mary loved to travel the United States and abroad. Some of her favorite destinations were Australia, New Guinea, Alaska, New York City, and her beloved Italy. Mary was a voracious reader. Her favorite author was Pat Conroy, but she also loved a good romance novel. Monday night bowling leagues, and Wednesday night ceramic classes were standard tradition. Mary enjoyed a good game of pinochle and loved attending the St. Clement Rosary Altar card parties. Mary was a big fan of Frankenmuth, Michigan - especially during the holidays. And she loved Zehnder’s fried chicken. Mary’s other interests included attending the theater, the opera, and dining out with her many friends. She relished any time spent with her family, especially when that meant being in the presence of any of her ten grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her beloved children Jerry Pantano, Ann (Richard) Taylor, Carleen (Michael) Hubbell, James Pantano, David Pantano, and her beloved former daughter-in-law, Debbie Pantano. She is also survived by her dear grandchildren, Nicholas (Lauren) Pantano, Aubrey, Chelsea, Katie, Joshua (Nina), and Gabrielle (Blaine), Caroline (Matthew), David, Whitney, and Elena; her cherished great-grandchildren Joel, Ian, and Rylee; her dear brother Guy Galosi; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Carolina Galosi (Grascelli); loving son Vincent; brother, Fred Galosi, and son-in-law, Chuck Hubbell.
A memorial mass will be on Saturday, August 21 10:00am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families, 25320 Van Dyke Ave, Center Line, MI 48015 a graveside prayer and luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Disabled American Veterans Charity (DAV) – www.dav.org
OR to St. Clement Church (run through St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Parish) www.ourladyqueenoffamilies.net.
