Mary E. Certano

Mary Ellen Bowlby Certano was born to Michael James Kelly and Bridget Nolan in Queens, New York, on May 9, 1917, and passed away December 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Michael James and Thomas, and her sisters Kathleen and Julia.  She was the loving wife of the late William Howard Bowlby and the late Clarence C. Certano, and was the cherished companion of the late Paul Driscoll. She was the mother of William Bowlby and daughter-in law Patricia Williams Bowlby of Brentwood, Tennessee, and wonderful grandmother of Kathryn E. and John W. Bowlby. Aunt Mary was also loved by her many nieces and nephews and their children.  She was a long-time resident of Richmond Hill, New York, and Deer Park, New York, where she served for many years as a dedicated school crossing guard. She spent 28 years in Five Towns in Pinellas Park, Florida where she was a proud Lady Elk and avid bowler until the age of 85.  More recently, she was a resident of Mary Queen of Angels in Nashville and Brighton Gardens in Brentwood, Tennessee, cared for by many special care-givers and nurses.  A devoted Catholic, she was an Irish New Yorker through and through, and loved – and could still sing – all of the “old songs.” Mom, Nana, Aunt Mary, you were a blessing to many and we love you.

Visitation will be on Saturday December 29 at Mangano Funeral Home in Deer Park, New York, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by mass at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with burial beside her loving husband Bill at Pinelawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Catholic Charities.