Mary Garay

Mary was born on November 2, 1956, in the Province of Callao, in Lima, Peru. Mary was the daughter of Matilde Gutierrez and Juan Castro. She immigrated to the United States in 1978 with her late husband, Carlos Garay. At first, she arrived in New York City, but would soon move to New Jersey where she resided for most of her life. Despite living in Peru only during the early years of her life, Mary loved returning to her beloved home country as often as she could to visit family and friends, and enjoy the food, culture, and landscapes. Family and friends in the United States, Peru and elsewhere are mourning her passing.

Mary was a loving mother to her three children: Leslie, Dennis, and George. She adored her children and was heroic in her efforts to provide them with a happy and loving home, and support them in all of their educational and professional ambitions.

The light of her life were her two granddaughters, Abigail and Charlotte. Her love for her granddaughters knew no bounds, and they brought immense joy into her life. Mary moved to Hawaii for a year to help raise her granddaughters, who adored her and to them, Mary was affectionately known as their "Mani." They will forever miss seeing her, playing with her, and traveling with her.

Beyond her children and grandchildren, she was a sister, aunt, and friend. She was a generous person who was ever-present for her family. Mary opened her home to everyone and often hosted holiday parties and important family gatherings. Her holiday parties where abundant with food, including some of her most loved recipes from Peru, and it was often an occasion for Mary to tell stories about her recent travels and share what countries were next on her list. While her home was a wonderful place for celebrations, it was also a safe place for many who needed a helping hand. She was present for her friends and family during difficult times, and provided guidance and served as a source of comfort, compassion, and care, and often served as a mother figure to her children's friends.

Mary loved to travel alone or with family. She visited Mexico, Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Jordan, Israel and Egypt. The happy moments, travels, and luxuries in her life were hard-earned.

Mary was an entrepreneur and hard worker her entire life. In the 1990s, she owned and managed "Leslie's Collection'" an embroidery factory named after her daughter, in Union City – a city in New Jersey which garnered the title of the Embroidery Capital of the World. Her passion for hosting motivated her to even open a restaurant in Hialeah, FL called "Mary's Restaurant." She later went on to hold a variety of jobs and roles, all of which exemplified her hard work, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit.

No summary of Mary's life would be complete without mentioning her incredible positivity for life. She approached her cancer diagnosis with a near superhuman level of bravery and courage, fighting each and every step of the way. Mary is survived by her adoring and grieving children, Leslie, Dennis, and George, and her two beautiful granddaughters, Abigail and

Charlotte. She is also survived by her siblings, Andres, Juan, Susana, Josefina, Enrique, and Ruth.

It is fitting that Mary was called into heaven on August 15th, the day which Catholics and many other Christians celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, it is believed that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. May our own beloved Mary rejoice in Heaven with our Heavenly Father.

A graveside service for Mary will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2420 Harrell Rd, Orlando, FL 32817.