Mary N. Mackey

Mary Mackey, 81, of Washington PA, passed away peacefully at Washington Hospital Monday, January 19, with her beloved daughter at her side.

Mary was born on October 15, 1944 in Trenton, NJ. She was the only child of the late Anthony and Mary Fischer. Mary married the love of her life, Richard, on February 5, 1975. Together, they enjoyed watching the Phillies, NASCAR races and Roadrunner cartoons. In January 1976, they welcomed their only child, Julia Ann. The small family relocated to East Stroudsburg, PA in 1981. Richard passed away on November 27, 1984. Mary's love for him was undying and no one else ever compared. After his passing, Mary spent the majority of her years living in the Stroudsburg area, before moving to be closer to family in 2020.

Mary worked at various in-home child care jobs, and for several years at Mr Z's. She dedicated her retirement years to the Salvation Army. Season after season, for 14 years, ‘Little Mary' could be found around the Stroudsburg area, ringing the bell, collecting for the organization that helped her and so many. Mary was featured in a 2019 Pocono Record Supplement article for her years of dedication, something she was extremely proud of.

The lights of her life in her later years were her grandchildren. When she relocated to Washington, she could be found at the ball field watching her granddaughters play softball, or cheering them on on the football field or wrestling mat from home. Anyone who spoke to Mary, walked away knowing that her family was her everything.

Strong in her faith, Mary embraced all religions. Although she was raised catholic, she spent her later years in Stroudsburg worshipping at the Reaching Out For Jesus Christian Center. She reconnected with old friends there and made new ones. She loved her church family and missed them every day. In Washington, she was a member of the Taylorstown Presbyterian Church where she was welcomed as family.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Julia Mackey-Rush (Kristofer) of Washington, PA; her beloved grandchildren Wyatt, Piper, and Hannah Rush and all of the friends she has met along the way.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where a service will follow visitation.

Interment will take place at Titusville Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date.