Marie Pedato

Marie Pedato, 88, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospital, West Islip, New York.

Marie was born in Manhattan, NY, at The New York Foundling Home in 1931; she was the daughter of the late Anna Pedato and the late Eugene Jeanette. According to the New York Census Bureau, Marie’s maternal Grandfather, Fioravando Pedato immigrated from Saint Antimo, Italy; arriving in New York City on April 2, 1896.

Information preceding Marie’s birth is scarce. In 1931, at the time of Marie’s birth the world was in a recession as the Great Depression challenged many parishioners to face difficult choices. As a result, Marie remained a Ward of State, remaining at the Foundling Home until she reached adulthood.

As an adult, Marie resided at Pilgrim State Residential Facility for several years. Although it is unclear how many years she remained confined to Pilgrim State, in 1996 Pilgrim State closed its doors and many of its residents were released into the community with supports. Marie’s resiliency deemed her capable of supportive living and allowed her to exercise her rights of self-determination, community participation, and to live life on her own terms; always keeping God first!

Through the years, Marie lived in Lindenhurst, New York, and worked for a brief time at Burger King in West Babylon, NY.

For several years Marie lived in West Babylon, NY, and she called Holiday Square her home. Marie loved celebrations! Anyone who knew Marie knew how much she loved decorating her apartment, Marie would say, “Every season has a reason to decorate!”

Marie enjoyed going shopping at K-Mart, Marshalls, and Bed-Bath-Beyond. She was often seen strolling through town with her highly decorated walker, adorned with twinkling lights and Mardi Gras Beads.

Marie participated in various community outreach programs. For example, Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, Wyandanch, NY. Marie enjoyed volunteering with the Summer Camp Program. She particularly enjoyed going to the pool and having a splash!

Marie participated in an essential program run by Deacon Frank Barone of St. Kilian’s Church in Farmingdale, NY, known as Handicapped Encounter Christ, or HEC. For more than twenty years she attended HEC’s Annual Weekend Retreat, at Camp Alvernia in Centerport, NY. The retreat included prayer, song, discussion, fellowship, ministry building, and most of all, inclusion! The retreat is designed specifically for people who face various challenges that may otherwise exclude them from participation in life. At HEC, Marie found ministry, purpose, and friends, who she called family.

Marie loved her church, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Wyandanch, NY; as well as her church family. Marie loved getting to church early so that she could assist with making Father Bill’s coffee. After Sunday service, Marie enjoyed attending breakfast with John and his wife MaryAnn.

Whenever there was a fundraiser or a community need, Marie would diligently spread the word to gain support for the cause. In fact, one year Marie’s efforts were recognized for collecting the largest revenue during a breast cancer awareness event.

Marie Pedato will be missed by many and forgotten by none. She left her mark on all of us and made us better people with her smile and “Rainbow of Colors!”

Your attendance is appreciated as we celebrate the life of Marie Pedato.