Mary Alice Donaghy (nee Farley), 80, of Apopka, Florida, peacefully passed away on May 27, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Mary was pre-deceased by her parents Margaret and John Farley. Mary was born in the South Bronx, New York, and attended Cathedral High School in New York City.
Mary had a career in hospitality, working in restaurants and shops, where she found joy interacting with people, sharing her appreciation for good company, good food, and good music.
Mary devoted her life to caring and guiding her family and extended community of friends. Everyone who encountered her was touched by her sweetness, deep sense of faith, and delight in the grand and the everyday. A conversation with Mary left one feeling heard and having been kindly counseled by a very wise woman. Her own challenges and achievements in life helped inform her gentle being, sense of humor and sage advice.
Mary married Joseph Anthony Donaghy at St. Lukes in the Bronx, NY and had six children, Joseph (Hortencia), Kevin (Missy), Sean (Leslie), David (Denice), Maureen (Colin), and Virginia.
Mary and Joseph proudly raised their family in Rockaway Beach, New York (still with a little sand in their shoes), and then in Altamonte Springs, Florida (Go Gators).
Mary was pre-deceased by her ex-husband, Joseph Donaghy. She is survived by her siblings John, Thomas, and Theresa Farley, her six children, 13 grandchildren (Guy, Joseph, Heather Mary, Mary Catherine (Tyler), Scott, Rachel, Morgan (Odhran), Chase, Casey, Jackson, Cailin, Ciorsdan, and Ava,) two great grandsons (Liam and Luca) and her sweet dog Sarge.
Mary also leaves behind dozens of beloved nieces, nephews, and their children who adored her, as well as legacy of family friends and their children. It’s said that Nan Mary, as she was known to all, was grandmother to not only her 15 grand and great grandchildren, but dozens of others who grew up blessed by her kindness and care within her community.
A memorial service will be scheduled later this summer.
“Though we need to weep your loss, you dwell in that safe place in our hearts where no storm or night or pain can reach you. Your love was like the dawn brightening over our lives, awakening beneath the dark a further adventure of color. The sound of your voice found for us a new music that brightened everything. Whatever you enfolded in your gaze quickened in the joy of its being; You placed smiles like flowers on the altar of the heart. Your mind always sparkled with wonder at things.”