Mary McKee Mantaro

Mary Helen McKee Mantaro, formerly of Delmar, New York, passed away on July 30th after suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for many years. She grew up in Syracuse, New York, spending summers on Owasco Lake. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in Los Angeles, California, then moved back east to attend Le Moyne College, graduating in 1959. At Le Moyne, she met Joseph Mantaro. They were married in 1960. Mary was a teacher and homemaker who was very social and outgoing. She played bridge with several groups, read avidly, and happily embraced the challenge of a novel recipe. 

Both Mary and her husband Joe loved fishing on Lake George, socializing by the pool, and enthusiastically attended both the New York City Ballet and the races in Saratoga. Mary was up for any adventure. She brought her ready laugh, sharp jokes, and conviviality to many gatherings. She took special delight in good stories and jokes. Throughout her long illness, she kept her characteristic lighthearted spirit.

Mary was a loving and fun wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her three children: Matthew, Mark, and Jessica, along with their spouses Audrey Charles, Lisa Mantaro, and Danielle Newland. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph, who died in 2020, and also by her siblings William McKee, Marilyn Engeler, and Marlene Lambert. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Michaela Mantaro, Megan Mantaro, Emily Mantaro, Ethan Mantaro, Jack Mantaro, Kate Mantaro, Charlotte Newland, and Nicholas Mantaro.

The family would like to thank especially the caring staff at Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center in Natick, Massachusetts. 

They will soon share plans for a gathering honoring both Mary and her late husband Joe.