Mary B. Paresi

Paresi, Mary B – loving wife, devoted mother and loyal friend slipped the bonds of earth and touched the face of God on April 6, 2010.

Mary was born on Staten Island, NY in July, 1924 to the late Max and Mary Babbey. She was married to her childhood sweetheart and together they raised seven children. As a Navy wife, she managed her large family balancing many tasks and tirelessly sacrificing for her children while her husband served our country. Mary never met a stranger, was uncompromising in her respect for others, valued above everything her love and support of family, and made living each day with unselfishness her life’s priority. She always cooked feasts for holidays and was a talented seamstress, sewing clothes for her children. One of her favorite ports of duty was in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in the late 1940s, where she met life-long friends and loved living in the tropical climate. In 1950, the family made their permanent home in Jacksonville. Mary loved to play golf, dance with her life partner, and after her children were grown, travel the world. Mary was a member of St. Matthew’s Parish for many years, and participated in the Altar Society. She always welcomed you with a kiss and a smile, a passionate friend who truly loved being around people. Her strength and courage in her final days was a true inspiration, and she wanted everyone to know she loved her life and all of us who shared in it. God surely loaned us one of His angels, and we know she will continue to watch over us.

She is survived by her soul mate and loving, devoted husband of 68 years, Charles Paresi; her children Patricia DeCarli (Wiley), Diane Burns, Paul Paresi, Joanne Connell (Galen), Barbara Paresi, and Marianne Deibel (Buck). Mary also leaves 5 grandchildren: David Burns, Jeff Burns (Mia), Carli, Christina and Casey Deibel and 2 great-grandchildren Darby and Isla Burns. She is predeceased by her daughter Charlotte Flood. Mary also leaves her extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, sister/ brothers-in-law and many good friends and neighbors.

As Mary requested, the family invites all friends to join us in a celebration of her life at Hilton Gardens Meeting Room, 145 Park Ave Orange Park Florida on Saturday May 15 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Community Hospice of NE Florida in Mary’s name.

A DIGNIFIED ALTERNATIVE-HATCHER CREMATIONS (904) 260-2522