Mary Fitzgerald Dermody

Mary Fitzgerald Dermody, 98, passed away peacefully at home in her own comfy bed, surrounded by her proud and loving children.

Over the past few years, Mary experienced the inevitable decline in health that comes with spending nearly a century in the same earthly body. True to form, she never complained, unequivocally stating she was "fine and dandy" to anyone who asked. Her multiple brushes with mortality and subsequent miraculous rebounds earned her the loving nickname "Mary Lazarus." Her peaceful stubbornness and resilience were witnessed repeatedly by those who loved her; Mary would quietly and politely listen to the sage suggestions of her family, only to do exactly what she wanted anyway. Her incredible fortitude was proof positive of a life well-lived: she took only a single prescription medication and was hospitalized only for childbirth-the last time being 56 years ago.

In her younger years, Mary would lift couches with one hand to vacuum underneath, routinely perform "loaves and fishes" culinary miracles in her kitchen, and innocently write accidentally dubious messages in frosting on birthday cakes, much to the continued merriment of her children. Most importantly, she fiercely loved every member of her family.

Mary's deep faith and spirituality were the grounding rock of her existence, bringing her immense solace throughout her life. Her flock is truly TNTC (too numerous to count), but at the last tally, it included her eight children, six sons-in-law, 20 grandchildren, and 19 (and counting) great-grandchildren who were an ever-present source of joy in her life.

Mom, you are finally "home-again, home-again, jiggety-jig." With you, we truly hit the "Mom jackpot," and we will miss you beyond measure.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Robert; daughter, Kathleen; daughter-in-law, Julie; granddaughters, Kathryn Mengucci and Molly Slator; her parents; and brothers, William, John, and James Fitzgerald.

Together, Mary and her husband had eight children who survive her: Robert, Patricia (Mark) Fohs, Margaret (John) Bardenett, Michael, Mary (Daniel) Slator, Nancy (Robert) Mengucci, Elizabeth (Keith) Woodward, and Maureen (Joseph) McRae.

Many thanks are extended to her wonderful helpers, Kerri, Kathy, Glenda, and Helen, for assisting the family in keeping Mary at home during these past years.

To celebrate Mary’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr. A funeral Mass will follow.

Mary will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Central New York, 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209.