On September 8, 2011, shortly before 9pm EDT, Mary Notarfrancesco, the matriarch of the "Philadelphia Mullens", died peacefully at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA. She was two months shy of her 90th birthday.
Mary was the oldest daughter of Patrick Mullen (born in Ballina, County Mayo) and Bridget McHugh (born in Glangevlin, County Cavan). She lived her entire life in the Philadelphia area and is predeceased by her husband, Dominic Notarfrancesco.
Although her health had been failing in recent years, she had hoped to be well enough to attend my son, Andy's, wedding to Rebecca on August 28th. Unfortunately, Mary's health took a severe turn for the worse a couple of weeks prior to the wedding. Her wish was that no extraordinary means be taken to extend her life, and that wish was granted.
Below is her official obituary, along with a few photos of her throughout the years.
Notarfrancesco - Mary A. (nee Mullen) , age 89 on Thursday Sept. 8. 2011 formerly of Rockledge, and Olney. Beloved Wife of the late Dominic Notarfrancesco ‘Notar’. Loving Mother of Peter M. (Marie), Anthony C. (Cathey), and the late Michael C. Notarfrancesco (Kathleen). Devoted grandmother of 5, great-grandmother of 8, and Sister of Nancy Oswald, Joseph Mullen (Winnie), Patricia Sears, and the late John, Thomas, and James Mullen. Family & friends are invited to Mary’s Life Celebration Sat. Sept. 17th, after 10AM and to participate in her Funeral Mass at 11AM Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1200 Park Avenue Bensalem, Pa. 19020. Int. Our Lady of Grace Cem. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mary’s name to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, Ma. 01061-0515 (www.macular.org) would be appreciated. To share your fondest of Mary please visit www.lifecelebration.com. Family Service by Dean-Geitner-Givnish of Fox Chase.
Although her health had been failing in recent years, she had hoped to be well enough to attend my son, Andy's, wedding to Rebecca on August 28th. Unfortunately, Mary's health took a severe turn for the worse a couple of weeks prior to the wedding. Her wish was that no extraordinary means be taken to extend her life, and that wish was granted.
Below is her official obituary, along with a few photos of her throughout the years.
Notarfrancesco - Mary A. (nee Mullen) , age 89 on Thursday Sept. 8. 2011 formerly of Rockledge, and Olney. Beloved Wife of the late Dominic Notarfrancesco ‘Notar’. Loving Mother of Peter M. (Marie), Anthony C. (Cathey), and the late Michael C. Notarfrancesco (Kathleen). Devoted grandmother of 5, great-grandmother of 8, and Sister of Nancy Oswald, Joseph Mullen (Winnie), Patricia Sears, and the late John, Thomas, and James Mullen. Family & friends are invited to Mary’s Life Celebration Sat. Sept. 17th, after 10AM and to participate in her Funeral Mass at 11AM Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1200 Park Avenue Bensalem, Pa. 19020. Int. Our Lady of Grace Cem. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mary’s name to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, Ma. 01061-0515 (www.macular.org) would be appreciated. To share your fondest of Mary please visit www.lifecelebration.com. Family Service by Dean-Geitner-Givnish of Fox Chase.
With her Dad, Patrick Mullen
1926
1936
1942
Mullen Christmas, 2006
Raising a glass to the Extended Mullen Family, 2010
Paul, Thank you for doing this blog re: our Aunt Mary. I was very sorry I was unable to make her funeral. Glen & I did not return from Montauk until Friday afternoon & the early funeral Mass did not work for me. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to visit with Aunt Mary with Paul before she was transferred to the Hospice room. I have been keeping her, and all or family in my thoughts & prayers. I truly believe that anyone who is still alive -- even if seemingly unresponsive -- hears everything that is said. In that sense, I am grateful I had the chance to review with Aunt Mary many memorable events of her life with our Extended Family. Lastly, I love the very stylish photo of Aunt Mary from 1936!
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