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I met Mary at Luca’s graduation from Solebury. I introduced myself and with a little glint in her eye she said “Oooooh I know you...I see you ALL over Facebook!” Then laughed like the devil. It was a very short time I knew Mary but I can’t help but thank her for bringing some of the most important people into my life. Be at peace Mary ❤️
Mary was a very intriguing person, from the first time talking to her in her apartment, to our drives from Clinton to Flemington. She would tell me about Nova Scotia, or about reading up on Islam.
Having come to know Molly and getting to know Paola at the time, and later Jerusha and Jalilah; it was apparent Mary had passed along her strength, intelligence, and caring for others to these fierce, and wonderful women. Seeing Luca become the compassionate, funny, great man that he is, one can not hesitate to see Mary's part in that as well.
My fondest memory with Mary was when we were watching Luca and the three of us were huddled together on the couch watching one of Luca's thrillers. Not having known my own grandparents, I can only imagine this is what I had missed and will forever be grateful to Mary for the warmth she gave.
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Cousins on Turkey Day. Lots o…
1966, Parsippany
Cousins on Turkey Day. Lots of fun memories.
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$550.00
Raised by 4 people
We are so sorry for the loss of a much loved mom and grandmother. She was a dear friend to me and she referred to my four kids Vegard, Tone, Hilde and Marianne as her first grandchildren. That says it all about their relationship. She had this wonderful way of talking to children and young people. She helped us out a lot while living in NJ 1996-1999. We became close. I feel privileged to have known her and will always treasure her memory.

Sending lots of love and viral hugs to you Molly, Jerusha and your children.
Visiting Bergen with the Stor…
2001, Bergen, Norway
Visiting Bergen with the Storhoug family.
Shopping tourist effects in B…
2001, Bergen, Norway
Shopping tourist effects in Bergen, Norway -on a road trip on the western coast of Norway with the Storhougs.
On Molly and Pablo's Wedding …
NYC, New York, USA
On Molly and Pablo's Wedding Day
Celebrating the Norwegian Con…
1998, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Celebrating the Norwegian Contitution Day in Brooklyn, 17 th of May 1998. Here with Marianne Storhoug born in NJ oct. 1996, while Mary was taking care of her three older siblings.
Mary with Wenche & Ove's …
1996, Morristown, NJ, USA
Mary with Wenche & Ove's children, referred to as "my first grandchildren".
Mama Mary wasn’t just my best friend’s mom- she was also my friend, a confidant and mentor at times. My first memory was how she welcomed all of her kids friends into her home over the years. I don’t know how she put up with all of us but that welcoming and acceptance meant a lot.
I spent many times just sitting with Mary, sometimes quietly and sometimes talking and learning to share. She helped me in so many ways in those years and I’ve been told the feeling was mutual.
Moving away to different places never seemed to delete the connection. We always kept in touch in some form and if nothing else she knew I’d check in on the anniversary of Billy’s passing each year. It was how I let her know I was still there and didn’t forget, and until she couldn’t really write much anymore she’d fill me in on the latest goings on and say how much she loved her girls and (later) how being a grandma was everything.
I am heartbroken that we didn’t meet in person for a long time, but that never seemed to erase the deep connection formed those years ago.
With the kindness and compassion of magnificent Mary and my beautiful, strong friend Jerusha, the Rhodes family became like a second home and family to me. I wish Jerusha and Molly and their families, and all of Mary’s loved ones, the gentleness, time, space, and peace to process and heal the journey and this loss. I love you all forever.
RIP Mama Mary
We are very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Every interaction we had with her it was clear she was proud of her family and loved you very much. (“That’s my daughter” or “That’s my cousin” was a familiar and loving refrain). The fact that she built her own business, raised her family and dealt with physical challenges is a testament to her strength and an example for all. She was also very kind to us the few times we met her and could sense her genuine warmth as a person. We hope you take solace in the memories of her and knowing someday you will be reunited with her with God.

Love,

The Lombardo Family (Leslie, Gary, Marco, Malèna and Nancy (Mamma) Lombardo)
Mama Mary, me, and Jerusha at…
1997, Washington, D.C., USA
Mama Mary, me, and Jerusha at Jerusha’s graduation from American University
Mama Mary and Jerusha at Jeru…
1997, Washington, D.C., USA
Mama Mary and Jerusha at Jerusha’s graduation from American University
Mary and Jerusha at my house …
1993, Bridgewater, NJ, USA
Mary and Jerusha at my house for graduation party
I am trying to remember but I think, Jerusha, did we drive up from DC? How did we wind up at your mother's house? I am not sure but I remember she gave me great advice about the anxiety and depression I was feeling after spending a few months in Kenya. She told me it was "re-entry shock". Her knowledge helped me to finally understand the depression I felt every time I left NJ, went to a new and amazing place, and had to come back....to JERSEY. I will always remember your mother for giving me that piece of wisdom. Also she was super super smart, just like her daughters. Much love to you all!
Sending an ocean of love to all, as your mourn the loss of Mary. May she rest in deepest peace...
Growing up, Aunt Mary, Molly, Jerusha and Billy were the people I thought of when I thought about aunts or cousins (even though they are my mom's cousins). Mary always impressed me with her confidence, strength and independence as a woman. Even in their youth, Molly and Jerusha broadcast similar qualities. I looked up to all of them. I wasn’t able to articulate these things when I was young, but as an adult, I can look back and see that was what made the Rhodes women so cool to me.

When my grandmother had a stroke that left her wheelchair-bound and unable to talk for years until her death, Mary was a force of positive and warm energy for me, my mother and grandmother as we re-adjusted to the new normal. Then, and in the last few years, Mary radiated warmth, confidence and positivity when I saw here. Through her personality and actions, she encouraged me to stop doing so much navel gazing, keep striving, be lighthearted even when not great things were happening. That is a rare and amazing quality. I am grateful for her and her legacy of beautiful and talented children and grandchildren.

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Mary Bennet Rhodes