Mary Estelle O'Brien Dutkus

Dutkus, Mary Estelle O'Brien

Mary Estelle O'Brien Dutkus (nee Shankey), 91, on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 of Pompton Plains, formerly of Maywood, NJ. Mary, born on December 14, 1923, was the fifth child of Vincent and Estelle (Dolan) Shankey of Haverstraw, NY. She is predeceased by her parents and her brothers John, Victor, and Leslie and her sister Anne Geraldine Hoyer. She was married to the late Thomas S. O'Brien and the late Stanley W. Dutkus. Her political family was the fertile ground that shaped her life-long love for politics. Although born in Haverstraw and finishing her years in Pompton Plains, Maywood, NJ would always be considered her home. She was a Democratic Committee Woman for decades, and she was the first woman elected to a Council seat in 1969 and then Council President in Maywood's history. In honor of her many contributions to the borough, Mary received the Maywood Community Service Award. As stated in the Mayor's Proclamation "Mary E. Dutkus has served as an active volunteer during the past four decades, having served on the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Chairperson of the Rent Monitoring Board, the Board of Health, and the Public Assistance Board. She served as Fire Commissioner, Recreation Commissioner, and Swim Pool Commissioner." May 26, 2005 was declared "Mary E. Dutkus Day." She was named Mrs. Democrat in 1980; Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1994; and was the Grand Marshall of the Maywood Fourth of July Parade in 2006.

Mary used her degree from Plattsburgh State University and Lady Cliff College, and attendance at Columbia University Graduate School of Education, by teaching a generation of fourth graders at her beloved Our Lady Queen of Peace. Mary took great pride in her children Thomas J. O'Brien and his wife Mary of Alexandria, VA; Nancy M. Ledoux and her husband Arthur of Newburyport, MA; and James V. O'Brien and his wife Wendy of Wrentham, MA. She loved her grandchildren Elizabeth, Matthew, Mark, Grace and Andrew and delighted in her four great-grandchildren. Mary was also welcomed into the Dutkus family by her step-children Stanley, the late Virginia, and David and their families. And her life was enriched by the love of her nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral from Trinka-Faustini Funeral Service, 439 Maywood Ave., Maywood (201-487-3050) on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 400 Maywood Avenue, Maywood, NJ at 10:00am. Burial will be private. Visiting on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 from 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Maywood Golden Age Club, Maywood, NJ. Visit www.trinkafaustini for directions/online condolences.