- 92 years old
- Date of birth: May 1, 1919
- Date of passing: Dec 24, 2011
- Place of passing:
Little Neck, New York, United States
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Let the memory of Mary be with us forever |  |
This memorial website was created in the memory of our Nana, Mary Breden. We encourage you to share stories, photos, music, and videos here.
Mary Breden of Little Neck passed away comfortably in her sleep on Dec 24. She was 92. She is survived by her loving husband Herman, sons Robert, William, Stephen, children Thomas and Patricia having predeceased her, daughters-in-law Joanne, Eileen, Janet, Nancy, grandchildren Pamela, Christine, Kelly, Joshua, Jeremy, Carolyn, Amy, and great grandchildren Westley and Abigail.
Mary was dedicated to her family and welcomed many more into her heart and home. She was truly a renaissance woman who mastered the art of living through her music, art, hobbies, and civic activism. Mary received both a Bachelor degree in physical education from NYU and her Master's in education, and went on to teach in universities across the country before marrying a lucky man named Herman and starting a family that has grown with the love, respect, and humor that was so much a part of her. As her family work lightened, Mary took on community service with amazing enthusiasm and many knew her from her work caring for the local park and fundraising for the Little Neck Memorial Day Parade. Throughout it all, she carried music and art with her – mastering the piano, violin, mandolin, and almost any instrument placed before her. For Mary, it was never too late to learn something new, and we will continue to learn from her always.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
The Tom Breden Legacy Fund
Natureserve
4600 N. Farifax Drive, 7th Floor
Arlington, VA 22203
www.natureserve.org/supportUs/indiv_donor.jsp
The Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade
42-28 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, NY 11363
www.lndmemorialdayparade.com
The American Institute of Cancer Research
1759 R Street NW
Washington D.C. 20009
www.aicr.org.
The Salesian Mission
2 Lefevre Lane
New Rochelle, NY 10801-5710
www.salesianmissions.org/ways-to-help/donate
"I met Mary in '69 through her daughter Patty when we played folk music at Sun. mass. Patty, Chrissy and I got a lot of encouragement from Mary, and once in a while Mary played a tune on the mandolin for us. I'll remember Mary for her great sense of comedy, her music/artistic talents, and her capacity to think outside the box, love her family/friends, and give all she had to all she met ♥"
"She was THE most giving person, from letting me live in her house for over 10yrs to all her charity work.she was known as NANA to all... i am so greatful to have known such an amazing human being in my lifetime. Plus, she loved to sing & on some nights would sing me pam and christine a lullaby before bedtime. She was funny and always a smile on her face. i will miss crosswords with her..."
"Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dearest Mary. She was a wonderful woman who was deeply loved by family and friends alike. She was warm and loving and always made us feel welcomed in her home. Her cheerful and happy disposition was always so refreshing to be around. We will miss her greatly.
Love, Joan, Bill, Sarah & Emily Hall"
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