Mary L. McCue

Born on August 25, 1940 in Yonkers, to Joseph and Isabel (Gorey) Bierwirth, Mary developed a deep love of learning at an early age. She attended The Elizabeth Seton School, the first Catholic School in Yonkers, where she made lifelong friends. She then attended Fordham University and after a break to start her family she enrolled in the evening/weekend program offered at Long Island University and Iona College where she earned her Bachelors Degree. Most recently Mary returned to Iona College as a member of their LIRIC Adult program.

Mary’s career began as a sales rep with Mattel Toys. In addition to visiting the many stores in her Westchester territory she participated in several of the annual Toy Fair Trade Shows in New York City and eventually went to work for Lego (all of which was greatly appreciated by her children and their friends). She set the example of a very strong work ethic and taught her daughters the importance of working to one's full potential in every situation.

Raising her daughters on her own and being one of very few woman in her professional field, Mary soon found what would become her hallmark approach to facing any challenges that life threw in her path - to fearlessly charge straight at them.

Mary changed careers when she went to work as an investigator for the NYS Workers Compensation Board. She eventually transferred to the Board of Health's Office of Professional Medical Conduct as a lead investigator. Mary excelled in this area and she worked at OPMC until her retirement.

She truly was a very special woman. She had immeasurable strength, a keen intellect and an amazing capacity to love the people in her life. She was fiercely protective of her daughters and always put family first. She somehow always found the time to talk with people and learn about them with genuine interest and compassion. Her thoughtfulness was unparalleled - she remembered even the little things that her family and friends liked. Whether she was choosing a "big gift" or a "little surprise" she always found that perfect something and made you feel very special.

Mary was an avid tennis player and longtime member of the Amackassin Club in Yonkers. She was a voracious reader who loved to travel and enjoyed good food with a special fondness for treats from a 'good bakery'. Her health was important to her - she kept herself in great shape and was well ahead of the current trends in nutrition and healthy eating. She led an active life and was taken from us far too soon.

Mary is survived by her four daughters, Suzanne Ball (Jim McDonald), Karen Ball, Doreen Ball and Kate McCue, her brothers Joseph (Mary)Bierwirth and James (Wendy) Bierwirth, her granddaughters Toni and Isabella, her recently born great-granddaughter Alaina and 9 beloved nieces & nephews.

The color purple took on a special significance for Mary in recent months. We invite everyone who is able to visit her wake or attend her funeral to wear purple in her honor.

Visiting hours will be held at Whalen and Ball Funeral Home in Yonkers on Friday, November 18th from 3:00pm to 8:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 19th at 10am at Christ the King Church in Yonkers. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla.