Mary C. Cestra

Flemington, NJ - Mary C. (née Bonk) Cestra, 92, entered into eternal life on Friday, April 11, 2025, at her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Staten Island, NY, daughter of the late Carl and Lottie (née Cen) Bonk, she settled in Flemington in 1989. Earlier in her life, Mary had worked as an administrator at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. While working there, she met her future husband, Louis Cestra, who was stationed there while serving his country. Mary went on to work for New York Telephone in Staten Island for 20 years, retiring in 1989. She volunteered at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. With a passion for knitting, Mary made hundreds of baby hats for newborns to donate to the Hunterdon Medical Center. She also made many beautiful sweaters for family and friends. Mary was a faithful parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges. There she served as Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan. Mary was a member of the Flemington Elks Ladies Auxiliary and the East Amwell Senior Citizens Club. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her two brothers, Walter "Mickey" Bonk and Carl Bonk. Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Louis Cestra; a loving daughter, Nancy and her husband Frederick Fischl of Flemington; a sister, Terry Mabe; three treasured grandchildren, Steven Fischl and his wife Jenn, Louis Fischl and his wife Michelle, and Rick Fischl and his wife Laura; and five dearly loved great-grandchildren, Abigail, Anna, Ryan, Matthew, and Maya. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. and Wednesday, April 16, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Highway 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. Transfer prayers will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges. At the family's request, disposition will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary's name to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. To send condolences to the family, share photos, or light a virtual candle in memory of Mary, please visit www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com.