Mary – Zappala

Her mother devised a system to keep her safe while working at their corner store: when a man entered she was to ring a bell and her mother would wait on them. When a young man they called Buddy entered the store, a 14 year old Mary took her time in ringing the bell. In their 60 year marriage, if Buddy did it so did she. She cooked the best meatball and roast beef sandwiches at Buddy’s Tavern, dispatched for their taxi service and shared the work at their farm. They even fished together. At her Stone Harbor and Center Square produce stands she was known as the Tomato Lady and saved many a marriage when she sent husbands home with flowers.rnHer later years found her living the contented life in Cape May Court House: she did puzzles, watched ships sail and crabbed. Saturday she died peacefully at home. rnShe was wife of the late Alfio (Buddy) and is survived by her three children: Harry (Charlotte), Pauline McClure (Bob), and Russell (Sheryl); five grandchildren: Harry A., Susan, Adrian Zappala, Bobby McClure and Timmy Zane; five great-grandchildren: Giovonni, Zachery, Ashleigh, Gianna, and Isabella Zappala.rnCome celebrate 93 contented and happy years Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Swedesboro. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations to charity of donor’s choice will appreciated.