Mary J. Tallon (nee Aquino) has left our earth to be reunited with her beloved husband of 61 years, Joseph (deceased 2008.) Theirs was a beautiful marriage of love and respect. Together they raised and are survived by three children, Catherine Mary Brown, and Jeffrey Tallon of Phoenix, and Robert James Tallon and his wife, Nancy Benzinger of Bozeman, Montana. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Leonardo Aquino and Erminia Orlando; her sister, Delia Sunday; and granddaughter, Deana Brown. She is survived by four grandchildren, Todd Brown (Beth), Chris Brown (Heidi), James Tallon, and Caitlyn Tallon; four step-grandchildren, Peter, Jacob, and Megan; and three “great grands”, Orion Joseph Tallon and Emily Mae Brown and Gabriella Benzinger; her younger sister, Dr. Evelyn Adams of Toronto, Canada; and cousins of the Rizzuto, Orlando, and Fera families.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was a legal secretary, judge’s secretary, and court recorder in Michigan and moved to Phoenix, in 1980. She was known as an accomplished crafter: seamstress, quilter, and jewelry-maker. Mary was well respected in Phoenix for her charitable works. She was the Founder of the “Needlers” a group who sews for those in need of a caring gesture. She began “Layettes for stillborns” that helped parents realize people cared. The Needlers made heart shaped pillows for heart patients, and anatomical dolls for pediatric teaching. She was an active member of the G.F.W.C., (General Federation of Women’s Club) Paradise Valley Club and served in many executive positions.
Mary was a well-deserved recipient of the Women of Achievement Award presented by the G.F.W.C, Paradise Valley Club for her “Vision and dedication in starting and organizing the activities of the Needlers, a community service sewing and not-for profit group and donating time, talent, and money to produce handcrafted items for various charities who serve those in need.” Mary will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service to commemorate her life will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85022. In lieu of flowers, family is requesting donations be made to The Needlers 2508 E. Hillery Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85032
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