Mary J. Faro

Mary Jane (Giuffrida) Faro, 96, of Methuen, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at High Pointe House in Haverhill surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Lawrence, she was the only child of the late Mario and Concetta (Rause) Giuffrida.

Mary attended and graduated from Holy Rosary Grammar School, Lawrence High School, and McIntosh School of Business. In 1947, she married the love of her life, F. Sam Faro, when he returned from military service during W.W.II. While raising their three cherished sons, Nunzio, Maurice and David, she worked by her husband’s side in the family business, Sun Ray Bakery on East St. in Methuen and at Salisbury Beach. Ever dedicated to her family, her faith and her community, she was an active member of the Holy Rosary School PTA, served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, and was a past president of the Sons of Italy Ladies Lodge in Salem, NH.

When Sun Ray Bakery closed in 1980, Mary launched her second career in retail and customer service at Macy’s Department Store until her retirement in 2010 with 30 years of distinguished service. She was loved, respected and admired by her coworkers, and adored by customers who would ask for her by name when shopping in the Macy’s Children’s Department. She also took great delight in preparing delicious traditional Italian recipes and enjoyed crocheting producing heirloom-quality blankets as gifts to celebrate marriages or the arrival of a new baby.

In addition to her husband Sam (2013), Mary was predeceased by her sons, Maurice (1974) and Nunzio 2015).

She is survived by her beloved and devoted son, David Faro of Methuen; her granddaughter, Lindsay M. Faro and several loving nieces and nephews who remained a significant part of her life. She will also be missed by countless cousins, neighbors, friends, and “comparis and commaris” who considered themselves members of Mary’s extended family and could always count on her for an enthusiastic greeting, a steaming cup of coffee at her kitchen table, an encouraging word, and a heart full of love. Mary’s “larger than life” personality will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving her. She will be forever in our hearts.

The family wished to extend a special note of thanks for the attentive care given to Mary by the staff at Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Methuen and the Merrimack Valley Hospice High Pointe House in Haverhill.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 17, 2020 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen.