Mary Mullen

Mary Mullen, 72, died Thursday after an illness.

Born in Scranton, she was a daughter of the late John and Louise Frye Hoban. A lifelong Scranton resident, she was also lovingly called Cathy by her oldest friends and family. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School and began raising a growing family, eventually working as a nurse's aide before starting a career in the hospitality industry. Mary began working at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station Hotel as a banquet server in 1984, just a year after the historic landmark opened for business. She was hardworking and dedicated to her job. She especially loved decorating at the hotel for the many events and holiday gatherings that were held there. Mary was proud to be the banquet manager for the last 20 years, overseeing countless parties, meetings, conventions and weddings, always taking care of every last detail to ensure the events were a success and her clients were truly happy. Mary was featured in a 2008 Happenings Magazine article where she was quoted, "I love the excitement and happiness of the guests and hearing their satisfaction when the party is over. I can't do this alone, so I want to recognize the staff for how wonderful they are." Her staff in the banquet area had the utmost respect for her and were very fond of her.

During her 35 years at the hotel, Mary was recognized on several occasions for her dedication and outstanding job performance, including the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association BRAVO award, Hotel at Lackawanna Station Employee of the Year and the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association Spirit of Hospitality "Department Manager of the Year" award.

Mary always looked forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren. She often recalled with great fondness the years when her children were young and her house, yard and pool were the main attraction in the neighborhood for the kids and their friends and cousins. Baseball games in the front yard, days-long board games, cookouts, chasing games in the woods, swimming and whirlpools would go on well past dark. There was always something going on at her house - it was the "Kool-Aid house" - and she loved it that way.

Mary loved the frequent get-togethers to play Pinochle or Scrabble with her three sisters and their mother Louise while sharing a pizza. Their friendly games of Pinochle could get a little competitive but were always fun and full of laughs. It was a wonderful tradition they held onto from their childhood days and passed on to the younger generations.

She was an avid tennis and football fan, especially her favorite Green Bay Packers. Mary crocheted countless blankets for family and friends and always had one ready when the newest grandchild, niece or nephew was born. She had a great sense of humor and could add laughter and a touch of fun to every family gathering. Always helpful and enthusiastic, she was a loving, generous and hardworking daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by three children, Joseph and wife, Candy, Scranton; Kelly Katchis and husband, Greg, Great Neck, N.Y.; and James, Scranton; three sisters, Ann Marie Kelly and husband, William, Moscow; Louise Ritter, Scranton; and Eileen Harris and husband, Jack, Taylor; nine grandchildren, Joseph and Connor Mullen, Scranton; Kathleen, Gregory, Chloe and Alexandra Katchis, Great Neck, N.Y.; and Colin, Madison and Molly Mullen, Scranton; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jack; brother-in-law, Jeff Ritter; and nephew, Jason Heffron.

The family extends a heartfelt "thank you" to the Allied Hospice staff.

A celebration of the life of Mary will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton. Social distancing guidelines and capacity restrictions will be observed. A private interment will be at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton. To email condolences, visit the funeral home website.