Mary A. (Sarlo) Fotiu

Mary A Fotiu, a long time resident of Mahwah NJ, passed away peacefully at Villa Marie Claire Hospice on September 18th. Mary was born on November 30, 1929 in Staten Island, NY to Matilda and David Sarlo. While her immediate family was small, she grew up in a large and extended family that included grandparents, aunts, uncles and 44 first cousins. Mary graduated from Curtis High School and worked as a clerk. She also worked in a hospital where she put to practice her nurturing nature. On South Beach, Staten Island Mary met Huey, her future husband. After marrying, Huey was called to serve in England with the Air Force. Shortly after, Mary bravely travelled round England alone across the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth. This crossing turned out to be one of the roughest in history. Slight in stature but possessing a hale and hearty constitution, Mary prevailed as one of the few passengers who did not become ill or injured on that 5 day voyage. Three years later they returned to the US, where Huey’s career took them to Mahwah NJ, where they resided for the next 64 years. Mary was fortunate to accompany Huey on many business trips and they travelled extensively across the globe. Her exposure to various countries and her interest in other cultures was reflected in her beautiful eclectic home and enhanced her culinary talents. Another business trip resulted in the discovery of the small town of New Smyrna Beach, FL., which led to their purchase of a beachfront property eventually becoming a second home, a happy place for family, relatives and friends, where wonderful memories continue to be made. Mary’s qualities of patience, diligence, organization and attention to detail served her well in all she did. She was a chef extraordinaire and mastered the art of hospitality, yet made it look effortless. With her love of tradition and love for entertaining she made every holiday and social event so special. Mary was an avid bowler and participated in leagues for many years. She also enjoyed golf and played with her many friends. She followed and cared deeply about current events both locally, nationally and on world stage. Mary loved and cherished her family above all else. Nothing pleased her more than a visit or phone call where she always gave her undivided attention. She touched the lives of all she met and her legacy will live on through them. She will be forever missed by her family and all who came into her life.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband Eustace Fotiu (Huey), brother Angelo Sarlo and grandson Matthew Simone. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Simone (Greg), sons, Dennis Fotiu (Lynne McHugh), Ronald Fotiu (Linda), and Huey Fotiu; Grandchildren Nicole Simone, Marissa Simone (Ryan Heckman), Stephen Fotiu (Melina), Ali Kawalec (Tom), Jenny Checkley (Bill) and great-grandchildren: Sonny, Augie, Ava, Bella, Billy and Luke.

There will be visitation at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ on Monday September 23, 2024 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 900 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, N.J on Tuesday September 24, 2024 at 11:00 am, followed by a burial ceremony at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ. In lieu of flowers please, donations can be made to Holy Name Villa Marie Claire, 12 W Saddle River Rd, Saddle River, NJ.

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