Mae McGoorty: Longtime Brewster Resident

Mary “Mae” McGoorty of Brewster, NY passed peacefully on November 26, 2014.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Beecher Funeral Home.

Mae and the love of her life, Bill, grew up in the Bronx. In 1965 they moved their family of nine children to the “big house on the corner” in Brewster Heights and had one more child to fill it.

Mae is survived by her 10 children: Danny of Brewster, Marlene Kovalik of Poughkeepsie, Edward of Pawling, Patrick of Brewster, Bob of Stormville, John of Hopewell, Mary Pascarelli and Margaret Hurley of Brewster, Willie of Wappingers Falls, and Marie Young of Stormville. Mae also counts the blessing of her 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Mae was the daughter of Irish immigrants, Mary and James Kenny and sister of six siblings: Anna of Wappingers Falls, Phil of Mineola, Margaret of Poughkeepsie, Vi Murphy of Levittown, John of Babylon and Jim, who has preceded her in death. As the oldest, Mae easily fell into the role of gentle caregiver for her younger siblings, particularly as her mom was called to support the family with the early passing of her dad. Mae was dearly loved by her siblings and was always admired for her ability to accomplish all the household chores and still look radiant in her stylish hats and platform shoes.

Mae easily transitioned to the role of housewife to her Bill and mother to her 10 children. It is difficult to imagine a mom who could have done it any better. Her heart was ever-filled with devotion to her family. There is nothing she would not give or sacrifice for any of her children … or for any other children! She was always on the look-out for someone in need, ready to slip her last dollar into his or her pocket, or offer a ride to wherever they needed – though she never did drive!

Mae loved her home – in the Bronx and in Brewster. She never stopped cooking and cleaning, but her real passion was her decorating! She loved to work with fabrics and paint and decorative accents! Even in those early years, when sleep was rare with young babies, Mae could be found at her ironing board in the wee hours of morning, ironing a fresh pair of curtains or drapes for the windows.

Mae had more than an eye for making a home beautiful and comfortable. She had a brain that learned quickly and saw possibilities. Mae used her talents outside the home when she returned to work as a cashier for both Finest and the A&P supermarkets in Brewster. Mae was readily able to help others with her ability to recall prices (a very coveted skill before the days of scanners!). More importantly, her friendly smile and caring heart won her the loyalty of many customers and the role of trainer for all the new cashiers.

Mae really was all work and no play… with one exception – BINGO ! Once a week, it was Mae’s night out. With her pillow and tin of chips tucked under her arm, Mae made her great escape. Not only could she masterfully manage watching all her cards, but she made sure those around her never missed an opportunity to call BINGO!

Mae was a woman of amazing talents and simple interests. To be in her presence was to feel genuine love, care, and concern. Though her heart was constantly giving, she never saw the gift she truly was. She lived her life being grateful for the blessing of others and never failing to share her gratitude. Her life constantly spoke the words, “thank you”.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to St. Lawrence O’Toole Church Giving Tree or a similar charity of your choice to help families in need during this holiday season.