Mary R. Duryea, 86, of Port Orchard passed away peacefully on December 30, 2020.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on April 21, 1934 to Louis J Longo and Rose M (Gallo). After a rough start to life, she went on to embrace it. She believed in true love, and every Valentine’s Day would meet her father, Louis at the top of the Subway station, to remind him what day it was. She had a keen ear, and knew his footsteps as they ascended the stairway, he would ask her what she was doing, and she’d reply, “It’s Valentine’s Day, you need to get mother a box of candy.” He would oblige and they’d go to the corner store and buy the biggest box of candy. This tradition continued until they moved to New Jersey.
Mary graduated High School in 1952, and soon went to work. She had a love for unique hats, even top hats, and would wear them to her job at Sphere Gyroscope. It wasn’t long afterwards that she met the love of her life George, at Ford Instruments. On April 27, 1957 they were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Oradell, New Jersey. Soon after, George was drafted into the army, and Mary followed him to Alabama.
She gave birth to the first of her three children there, Thomas. The adventure didn’t end there, 2 years later they moved back to New Jersey, where she had her second child, Anthony. George’s job, was unique, and sent him to many places; but it was his last trip, to Washington State, meant to be brief, that had Mary and the family moving once again, settling in Port Orchard in 1962. This is where her third child, Rosalyn was born. George was soon hired on by the shipyard, with him working, and a little time on her hands, Mary was hired on with Hi Joy Bowling, and retired after 40 years of service. Her life was full and dedicated to family and the bowing community; her time was mostly spent at Hi Joy in Port Orchard, working with youth bowling league throughout the county and state.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband George, and son Anthony, and is survived by son Tom (Deb) Duryea and daughter Rose (Glenn) Accardi of Florida; grandsons Corey Shomin, Jonathan Duryea, Joshua Duryea, Nicholas Accardi; granddaughters Aushia Duryea, Madison Duryea, Edie Shomin, Jasmine Mitchell; great grandson Leo, great-great grandson Hunter; besides many nephews, nieces, family and friends whom she loved and cherished.
Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday January 5th at Haven of Rest Funeral in Gig Harbor, with graveside services following.
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