Mary M. “Margie” Secondo – 79 – of 26 Crosby St., Hornell, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at St. James Hospital Comfort Care, Hornell NY, following a long illness.
She was born in Hornell on April 7, 1941, the youngest daughter of Gustava and Margaret (Hebenstreit) Pollinger.
Growing up in Hornell, Margie attended the former St. Ann School and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1959). After graduation, she was trained at the former St. James Mercy Hospital as a surgical tech. Margie worked in the surgical unit full time for several years and part time while raising her young family before becoming a teacher’s aide with the Hornell City School District. She began her career with the district as a special education aide at the Lincoln School and then became a computer aide at both the Bryant and Intermediate schools. Margie retired in 2003 after thirty-three years. Upon retirement, she babysat her grandchildren for several joyful and memorable years.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and former communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. Margie played an active role (floral arrangements and crown) for the May Crowning Ceremony at the former St. Ignatius Church and was a Cub Scout Den Leader for several years. Margie was also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn & Ronald Quinlan; brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Jean (Quartz) Pollinger; sister-in-law, Josephine (Secondo) Didsbury; brother-in-law, Thomas Smith.
Margie was married on December 7, 1963 to Jerry D. Secondo who survives. Also, surviving are her son, Michael (Susan) Secondo of Bronxville NY; her daughter, Eileen (James) Marino of Hornell NY; four grandchildren, Juliet & Natalie Marino of Hornell, Ignatius (Nate) Marino of Rochester NY, Reid Secondo of Boston, MA; step-granddaughter, Hilary Marshall of Newport, RI; brother-in-law and wife, Tom (Mary) Secondo of Hornell, NY; sister-in-law, Carole (Secondo) Smith of Pulteney; brother-in-law, Bernie Didsbury of Arizona. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews from the Secondo, Pollinger, and Quinlan families.
She enjoyed playing bunco and cards, having coffee with the girls at the Texas Cafe and JC’s Cafe, traveling (especially to Newport RI), playing the piano, and family gatherings around the holidays. However, her greatest joy was watching her children & grandchildren in sporting events (swimming & soccer), musical events (choir & band concerts), high school plays and many dance recitals.
Margie will be remembered as the family seamstress, for her delicious pies, cookies and cakes, and as being a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be sadly missed and forever loved by those touched by her friendly smile. A friend to all, Margie had a genuine way of making people feel welcome, and anyone who knew her was touched by her compassion and friendship.
The family of Mary M. “Margie” Secondo will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Margie’s family would like to express their gratitude for the outstanding care and support she received during the last 3 months of her life, especially to Dr. Picco and staff, supportive relatives, and true friends. A special thank you to the staff at Comfort Care / Hospice at St. James Hospital who provided such comfort to Margie in her final days.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margie’s name may be made to Comfort Care / Hospice at St. James Hospital, 7329 Seneca Road North, Hornell, NY 14843 or Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.