Mary E. Morando

WILLOW SPRING, NC- Mary E. Morando, 92, formerly of Haskell, NJ passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. At the time of her death, Mary was cared for by her daughter Patricia Sherrerd in Willow Spring, NC. Mary was born to Robert and Mary Elwood in Paterson, NJ on March 14. Mary was married to her loving husband, Louis “Gates” Morando, who passed away in 1992 after 50 years of marriage. They owned “Gates Tavern” for 22 years, known for being the first restaurant in town to make pizza. Mary was also the restaurant owner of “The Wanaque Spa”. At the age of 50, Mary went back to school for her Real Estate license and worked for Bess Doty Realty for 11 years. While living in NJ, Mary, a dedicated and devout Catholic, was a member of St. Joseph Paterson C.Y.O., Secretary of the St. Francis Rosary Altar Society, Religious Educator, and Eucharistic Minister. She served as Treasurer of the Mother’s Club of St. Francis, Cub Scout Leader, Little League Auxiliary and volunteer at Chilton Memorial Hospital. She served as Democratic County Committee Woman. She also helped found the Carnival at St. Francis of Assisi, where she made pizzas for 48 years. Mary and Gates moved to Florida in 1986. Even while living in Florida, Mary returned to NJ every summer to make pizzas for the carnival until the age of 87. In Florida, Mary worked at Magnolia Valley Hospital as short order cook for seven years, retiring at the age of 75. Mary was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was President of the Columbiettes and President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was a member of the Rosary Society, Queen of Peace Ladies Group, Senior Citizens of Our Lady Queen of Peace and National Council of Catholic Women. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, Magnolia Valley Ladies Club and Widow and Widowers Club. Mary’s greatest accomplishment was her family. Mary is survived by her 7 children Mary Lou McCloud of Bunn NC, Patricia Sherrerd of Willow Spring NC, Louis Stephen Morando of Tampa Fla, Karen Corter of Burlington NJ, James Morando of West Milford, NJ, Robert Morando of Haskell NJ, and Michael Morando of West Mildford NJ; her sister Martha Smith of Haskell NJ; 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren (plus 1 more due in October), 5 great great grandchildren; and cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis “Gates” Morando; parents, Robert and Mary Elwood; and her brothers, Robert, James, Paul and Brenden Elwood. A viewing will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC on Friday, October 9, 2015, 6-8PM. A mass service will be held at St. Mary’s Mother of the Church in Garner on Saturday, October 10 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Marys Mother of the Church, 1008 Vandora Springs Rd Garner, NC Phone: (919) 772-5524, Transitions Hospice 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607 Phone: (919) 828-0890 or Smithfield Hospice Hospital Road Smithfield NC Phone: (919) 209-5100.