MARY JEAN ILLARDO, 62;

Mary Jean Illardo was born in Jamaica Queens, New York to Joseph and Mildred Illardo. She is survived by her two children, Kevin and Kathryn, and grandchildren Logan and Lena. She grew up in Mastic, New York and attended Mercy High School followed by Oneonta College.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University and her Master's degree in Labor Studies from Empire College. She worked for the Suffolk County Department of Labor for over 25 years, creating programs and benefits to help the unemployed find careers. She was a woman of great faith, generosity and kindness. Dedicating her life to helping others, Mary was active in multiple CROP Walks to fight hunger, organized charitable events through Kiwanis Club, taught ESL to local groups, walked and fostered shelter dogs, and even while undergoing chemo treatments, made "Feel Better" baskets for fellow cancer patients. As a lover of art and theater, she performed both ballet dance and dramatic theater performances in college. She loved oil painting and used her skill to recreating masterpieces by Van Gogh in addition to her own original pieces. She became known as "the painter" at her last home, drawing and painting portraits of other residents as gifts to their brighten days. She was a beloved mother and grandmother, and an inspiration to all who met her.

Blessings to her family from Mercy Class of '69.

FEBRUARY 23, 1951 - SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

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