Mary F. (Nardone) Pastore

Mary F. (Nardone) Pastore, 90, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, August 21, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at home.

She was the beloved wife of the late John P. Pastore, who passed away in 2012. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Emilio and Maria Grazia (Valente) Nardone.  She resided in Cranston before moving to Narragansett many years ago.

Mary was a retired State of Rhode Island employee with 30 years of service as a dietary supervisor at the Eleanor Slater Hospital. Prior to her state service she worked at Seaboard Foundry and then for the City of Cranston as a crossing guard.

Originally, a Cranston, RI native and graduate of Cranston East High School, Mary spent many years’ summering at her home in Narragansett RI before permanently relocating to the summer house with her beloved husband John after their retirement. Mary was an avid beach goer and spent over 70 years entertaining and enjoying her family and friends at the beach house.

After her state retirement Mary worked part-time for many years at the Monsignor Clark School, then at the Matunuck School and finally at the South County Senior Center before permanently retiring at the age of 88.

Active in her community Mary was a communicant at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Narragansett, RI and a longtime member of the church’s hospitality committee.

An accomplished card player, she was always ready for a friendly game and was skilled in a variety of card games whenever she could find a worthy challenger. Along with her other daily tasks reading and regular walks were an important part of her everyday routine.

Mary’s greatest gift was her tireless ability, and talent to warmly welcome family and friends into her home. The kitchen sign aptly read, “the gathering place.” There was no culinary request that went unfilled by the near constant whirl of activity in Nonna’s kitchen. Weekends, holidays, special events or just a routine meal was made with the same enthusiasm and loving care.

Always ready Mary was up for most any family adventure whether a short-day trip, time in Florida, or ten days in Italy with family and friends.

It was, however, her late husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that she showered with her unconditional love. Mary’s life was likened to a great room where everyone felt welcomed and cared for. Mary had a great capacity to love and she shared her gift freely and generously and we are all grateful for having been part of her special life.

She is survived by her three children, Maria T. Torti (Tony), Sandra A. Dennis (David) and John F. Pastore (Marcia); two granddaughters, Maria-Grace Torti and Michelle Mahar and three great grandchildren, Leah and Ally Mahar and Justin Munroe.  She was the sister of the late Michael Nardone, Charles Nardone and Anthony “Tony” Nardone and grandmother of the late Amelia Mahar.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett followed by interment in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.  Visiting hours Thursday 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 in her memory would be appreciated.  Information and condolences, please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary F. (Nardone) Pastore, please visit our floral store.