Mary-Jane Constantine

We all loved her spunky, strong-willed personality! Our Dad, Paul, aka “darling” called

her “the BOSS”! Maybe it was her New York upbringing. But this strong lady was so

caring and compassionate.

Earlier in her life she enjoyed spending time with family in the Catskill mountains. She

helped raise her husband’s son, John (AJ), from the time he was 5 years old. AJ fondly

remembers that she called him “the kid” and said he was cute from 5-10 years old. She

even gave AJ the keys to go for a spin in her “big blue caddy” later in life. Early in her

marriage her husband, Skippy, became disabled and that found Mary-Jane taking care

of him for 13 years. She worked full time at A T & T and hired a caregiver for daytime

until she got home from work to take over.

As a widow, she met Dad (Paul), and they were a match made in heaven. They were

blessed with 26 years together in retirement. They enjoyed a bit of traveling and the

local attractions but were very content being home with Cleo and Scooty “her babies,”

the cats. Daily Scrabble tournaments at 3 pm were a must with the dictionary next to the

board to check all the big words used. She took care of Dad when he went downhill, and

he cared for her until the very end of his life 3 years ago.

We must mention that she was incredible at doing the very hardest crossword puzzles

every morning and was a whiz. She made it look easy. My husband Keith aka “son” was

amazed when she showed him how to carve a rose in a stick of butter for the Holidays.

And only the best China and crystal adorned the table.

The Lord blessed her when she asked that last year’s birthday be the final one. Just shy

of 92, they were watching her coming to the other side of the seashore and shouted,

“Here she comes!!” Once again full of strength and beauty walking tall.

We miss you mom.