Mary Patricia Marello

Mary passed away on March 12, 2025 after a long illness. She is survived by loving husband, James R. Marello; daughter Barbara Ann (Scott) Poulton, of Sykesville, MD; son Thomas (Cyndie) Marello, of Westminster, MD, and three grandchildren: Eric, Ross, and Mary Elizabeth Poulton; all of Sykesville, MD.

Mary is also survived by her sister, Barbara Christensen, Merrian, KS, and brother Henry Bonang, Weston, VT. She was pre-deceased by her sister Ann Morrill, Portland, ME. Brothers Daniel McGonagle, Biddeford, ME and William "Billy" McGonagle, Yarmouth, ME. All formed the loving family from the matriarch, Delia McGonagle Bonang.

Mary lived her early working life with, and cared for her older relatives of South Portland, Maine. There, she graduated from high school and proceeded to tour the country. She worked at several major US telephone companies, and later, at sister Barbara's urging, Mary joined her as a secretary in Washington, DC. At the US Naval Ordinance Bureau (BuOrd), she accepted a multiple year secretary position in the US Navy.

In later years, she became and administrative assistant at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). For over 20 years she enjoyed her association with, and learning from, the Institute's many and varied scientific activities, while also enjoying a close friendship with many fellow workers.

Mary retired from NIST in 1996 and settled into her long and much anticipated life of being a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved to cook using the many herbs and vegetables from her homemade backyard garden. She also acquired a hobby and pastime with still-life oil painting; creating several canvases and wooden wall-plaques, most of which were passed on to family members. Her interests extended to political discourse and commentary. She was an attentive listener, but was always eager to offer extensive viewpoints to family and friends. Most importantly, she sought after and was devoted to providing guidance and support to her children and grandchildren. She strove to maintain and immerse them in a close relationship with their religious faith in Christ, His teachings, and the importance of receiving Holy Communion. She will greatly be missed by her entire family.

Interment services for family members will take place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Gaithersburg, MD. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.