Mary Louise Rossano

Mary “Ting” Louise Steele Rossano passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 19, 2024, at the age of 95. She is survived by her three children and three grandchildren: Joseph Gregory Rossano, a renowned artist living in Arlington, Washington, with his wife Lisa, an art historian; Thomas Michael Rossano, a commercial producer residing in Larchmont, NY, with his wife Catharine, a communications executive, and 10-year-old daughter Lucy; and Marianne “Annie” Greven, a banker living in Mamaroneck, NY, with her husband Philip, a development director, and 17-year-old twin boys William and Nathaniel. She also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews and their families. Mary lost her husband of 55 years, Paul Gregory Rossano, on November 30, 2016. Mary was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 25, 1928, the first child of Jefferson Milton Steele, “Bunt” and Harriet Rebecca Cowling Steele, “Tootie”. She was preceded in death by her brother Patrick Jefferson Cowling Steele, “Pat,” who passed away on January 30, 1984, at the age of 52, and her sister Anne DeWitt Steele, “Annie” who died on February 5, 1938, at the age of 4. Her father's position as Manager of the Colonial Sugars Company led to her early upbringing in Cuba until the age of five. The family then relocated to New Orleans, where Mary became actively involved in her community. She attended Country Day and Sacred Heart schools. She earned her BA from Sophie Newcomb in 1951 and an MASW from Tulane in 1959. While at school she was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. As was customary in New Orleans, Mary was formally presented as a Debutante at several Mardi Gras carnival organizations’ balls beginning in January 1950. Mary met her husband Paul as a result of mutual friends carefully curating a blind date. On July 16, 1961, they were married at historical St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans French Quarter. Soon after, they relocated to Lexington Kentucky, where Paul attended medical school at University of Kentucky and they started their family. In 1965, they moved to New York where Paul completed his medical residency at the legendary Bellevue Hospital. They settled in Locust Valley, NY, and later retired to Round Top, NY. Mary spent her final years at Sarah Neuman in Mamaroneck, NY, where she could be closer to family. Mary was dedicated to service, starting in early education at Sophie Newcomb Nursery School. After becoming a social worker, she worked in therapy and education roles at Southeast Louisiana Hospital and Kentucky Village. As she prepared to return to work after a 15-year hiatus raising her family, she specialized in geriatric care. She spent 15 years at Montclair Nursing Home in Glen Cove, NY as the resident Social Worker. At the same time, she built a robust private family practice at which she continued to work into her early 80s. Mary enjoyed being active and was a competitive recreational athlete. She was the captain of her high school basketball team and also enjoyed modern dance, league tennis, and fishing with friends. As a member of Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, Mary enjoyed competitive sailing in her all-wood Seabird. Every August she looked forward to family trips to Montana where she would horseback ride in Big Sky country. She took up golf in her 60s, quickly mastering the sport as a near scratch golfer. She never stopped moving, and well into her 80’s she practiced calisthenics. She was also a passionate gardener and an avid reader, participating in local garden and book clubs. A true southern lady through and through, Mary was known for her politeness, grace, and elegance. She always presented herself socially and was ready for the activities of any day. Mary, “Ting”, Mom, and Grandma will be deeply missed, but her powerful presence will continue to live on in each of us. Two services will be held: May 3, 2024 at 4:00 pm at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 18 Cherry Ave in Larchmont followed by a reception at Hampshire Country Club @ 1025 Cove Road, Mamoroneck, N.Y., 10543. May 31, 2024 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, 35 Church St,, in Cairo, NY followed by her burial at Round Top Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Paul. Lunch will follow at The Winter Clove Inn, 557 Winter Clove Road, Round Top, New York, 12473. Because Mary , "Ting" so enjoyed music, dance and all the creative activities while in residence at Sarah Neuman, we request, in lieu of flowers, you make donations to The New Jewish Home. Checks should be addressed and sent to: The New Jewish Home Sarah Neuman 845 Palmer Avenue Mamoroneck, NY 10543 Attention: Administration In the memo section, please include for TR Dept = Music & Art programs. Ting so enjoyed all the music, the dance and all the creative activities while in residence. Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross Street, Cairo, NY, 12413. To leave condolences for the family please visit the Tribute Wall above / or you may go to www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Mary Louise Rossano

October 25, 1928 - April 19, 2024