Mickey was married for sixty years to the love of her life, Michael, who predeceased her in 2023. She was a selfless and devoted mother to their five children whom she leaves along with their spouses: Michael Jr. (Kathy), Tony (Cindy), Paul (Regina), Steven (Liz), and Julie. She was the loving Grandma and Ro-Ro to AJ (Maggie), Allison, Daniel, Sarah, Matthew (Laura), Joseph, Jessica, Rebecca, Joshua, Andrew, Ryan and Timothy. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Lucille Claroni, cousins, nieces and nephews. Mickey’s brother, Joseph, predeceased her in childhood.
Family, faith and education were central to Mickey’s life. She recalled a happy upbringing in Greenburgh, NY with her parents and sister, plus many aunts, uncles and cousins with whom they would gather every Sunday following mass. Her family eventually moved to White Plains, NY so that Mickey, the eldest child, could attend Good Counsel Academy founded by the Sisters of Divine Compassion. At her mother’s encouragement, she graduated in three years and continued her studies at Good Counsel College. After earning her B.A. in English, Mickey was awarded an academic scholarship to Fordham University in New York City where she commuted daily by train and earned her M.S. in Educational Psychology and Guidance. She would later pursue advanced studies at New York University and Syracuse University.
For the next ten years, Mickey forged a successful career in the Harrison, NY school system. She taught sixth grade History and English, was a guidance counselor, and served as acting principal in the elementary and junior high schools. Highlights of these years included being the proud aunt to her sister’s growing family and embarking on a summer-long trip through Europe with a friend in 1956. They traveled by ship and, during their journey, visited her father’s family in Calitri, Italy.
It was a fateful blind date that changed the course of Mickey’s life. After meeting Michael and carrying out a long-distance courtship, mainly through letters, the two wed in 1962 and she joined him in Fulton, NY. There, Mickey volunteered in various civic organizations and ran for the local school board before becoming the World’s Best Mom (in her children’s opinion).
Always up for adventure, she and Michael purchased Cape Cod Candies and relocated their young family to Centerville, MA in 1969. Seven years into raising their four sons and running a business, Mickey became a new mother once again to daughter, Julie.
After retiring from the candy business, Mickey returned to the classroom as a Special Education teacher for Barnstable Public Schools. She also taught summer school classes and Adult Basic Education evening courses.
Throughout her life, Mickey remained devoted to her faith. She was a constant presence at Our Lady of Victory where she served as a teacher of religious education, Eucharistic Minister, co-leader of the daily Rosary, dedicated member of the Gathering Grandmothers, volunteer for St. Clare’s Residential Program and a variety of other ministries. Mickey lived by the creed that we are on this earth to help one another. True to her demure nature, her countless acts of service were often subtle and unspoken.
Mickey will be remembered for her bright smile, quiet strength and caring ways. She was tireless, a lifelong learner, loved to be silly, and would rather be outdoors in her garden than in the kitchen. Together with Michael, she was present at all of her family’s biggest moments and happiest in the company of family and friends. In fact, whenever folks came to visit, Mickey would always ask how everyone was and enjoyed listening to their stories. As one friend described her, she was a “blessing” and will be missed beyond measure by all who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at https://www.svdpboston.org/donate/ in Mickey’s honor would be appreciated.
Visiting hours from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, April 1 at Doane, Beal & Ames funeral home, Hyannis. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2 at Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville. Services will conclude with burial at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6