Obituary
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1914
2017
Mary Schoolmaster, a long time resident of Kitsap County passed away peacefully, Thursday, the sixth of April 2017 in Poulsbo, Wa at 102 years old.
Born August 6, 1914 in Brooklyn, New York, Mary was fifth in line of eight children to Italian immigrant parents, Giuseppe and Carmella Bisogno. She grew up in Metuchen, NJ where her father ran a family barber shop. She later married & had two daughters, eventually ending up in Washington D.C. She was a single mother at a time where it was far less common and admittedly harder. She continued to work hard & focus on providing a good life for her girls. Mary worked much of her career in the restaurant industry, while later in life ran her own nanny and housekeeping service. She thrived in her business and serviced many families for years throughout Kitsap County. She was known for her love for children, being dubbed Mary Poppins & the "toy lady" for the bags of toys that filled her car.
A smart, independent lady who met every hurdle with determination & every person with an understanding that surpassed the norm. She was always the first to give someone the benefit of the doubt, often citing her mother's view that everyone has good along with any bad. She was very aware of the fragility of the human condition and always made an effort to give grace where she suspected it was needed.
She was an avid Bingo player who would play weekly at West Side Improvement Club, up until a couple months before her passing. She enjoyed cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
When often asked what her secret was, she kept it very simple. Living an independent life, oh and olive oil...lots of it.
She was our families' rock and matriarch, and she will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Martha & Mary for the loving care they provided Mary these past few years.
She is survived by her daughter Diane Mahoney (Gerald) of Silverdale, five grandchildren, Greg Hardy (Donna) Dana Hardy, Mark Mahoney (Sabina) Scott Mahoney (Narda) Shannon Bray (Charles), nine great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren & many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Evelyn Hardy and grandson, Jerry Hardy (PJ) of Oregon.
Mary's funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 11:00 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Bremerton, preceded by a rosary at 10:30. A reception will follow immediately in the church hall.
Arrangements under the direction of Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home, Bremerton, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home.
2 Entries
April 11, 2017
Marilyn Landreth
My family and a I met Mary many years ago. She is the mother of my best friend forever Diane Mahoney. She and my Mom knew and liked each other. They were from the same generation. Mary was a an amazing, strong, kind, loving woman. She loved children and they loved her. She has left beautiful memories for so many. Rest In Peace Mary. I loved you. You touched so many lives. You will always be remembered with love.
April 10, 2017
Carolyn Kennedy (Carrillo)
Mary cared for my siblings and me on several occasions when our parents travelled during the 1980s. We saw that she had passed on Facebook from a friend. I loved having her stay with us, not just for her bags of toys, but also the treasured lipstick samples she would give me, just 5-7 years old and feeling so grown up! She did have a way with children and I have fond memories of her- all four of us do. I remember her having a yellow car and believe it or not, every time I go to warm my car in this northern New York State weather, I think of her. Imagine that- one never knows how they'll impact others! Mary was a part of our childhoods and we extend our deepest condolences. God bless her and your family.
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