Mary Catherine Galante, 100 years young, of Brooklyn NY passed away on August 29, 2020 in Spring Lake, NJ.
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Mary is survived by her daughter, Diane Galante of Freehold NJ, and her son, Dennis Galante and his wife Cathy Beluch of Hoboken NJ, as well as numerous loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Loving wife to Joseph and proud mother of her son Alan, we know that she is happy to be reunited with them in heaven.
Mary was born on May 3, 1920 in Brooklyn NY, and while she spent her last years living at the Wellington Estates in Spring Lake NJ, she was truly a Brooklyn girl at heart. Born to Catherine and John Brutza, she was one of 6 children and had a happy childhood growing up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. She was thrilled to be part of a proud Italian family originally of Naples, Italy. Mary met her husband Giuseppe (Joseph) Galante at a neighborhood dance and was happily married until Joe’s untimely passing in 1985.
Mary lived for sports – most notably baseball and her beloved Mets! She had fond childhood memories of going to Ebbets Field to root for her hometown Brooklyn Dodgers but once the Dodgers picked up and left Brooklyn, she became a die-hard Mets fan. No more supporting a team that deserted Brooklyn! Mary knew everything about the Mets players and could recite stats as well as the latest gossip about the player’s personal lives. When the game was on – you knew not to bother her.
Family was everything to Mary and she lit up whenever she spoke about her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. What a memory! Mary never forgot a birthday and was the first one to call to wish you happiness on your special day. If you ever needed to know how the family was connected – Mary was the one to call.
Mary was a great Italian cook and was known for her pizza pies, meatballs, lasagna and chocolate graham cracker pudding cake. She also loved good food and enjoyed getting together with family to enjoy a good meal and time together. Lots of laughter and fun times with Mary at the center.
Mary was also beloved by the staff and her friends at the Wellington Estates in Spring Lake NJ.
Mary lived life to its fullest and was blessed by the love of all.
The family plans to gather for a private burial service.
Diane all our love and prayers. So very sad
My prayers and Good Wishes are with you and your family. My Mother died on this same day in 2009. I cry forever. I don’t know if you remember me when I was selling the 305 E 24 St Apt.
Elaine Vaizer
Our beloved Grandama, forever in our hearts. What an honor and pleasure to be in your life.
Dear Mary was my inspiration on how to appreciate your life in ones later years regardless of health issues. As a friend I looked forward to talking to her. It was a gift and privilege to know Mary for so many years. She will be greatly missed although her memory will always bring a smile. My condolences to her lovely family.
Diane, So very sorry for your loss of your dear Mom. I remember her as a very sweet woman.
She certainly will be missed. I’m sure she is at peace and happy to be with your Dad whoI also
remember well. So our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Love Rona and Hank
I’ll really miss my godmother, Mary. Chatted with her about every 10 days and so looked forward to it — she was so current and smart. When I moved across the street from her in Brooklyn in 2000, I got to know her better and Spring & Fall treks to Spring Lake when she moved there were totally worth the trip. She loved keeping up with our neighborhood through me. She was such a great person.