Mary Margaret Secondo

Mary M. “Margie” Secondo – 79 – of 26 Crosby St., Hornell, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at St. James Hospital Comfort Care, Hornell NY, following a long illness.

She was born in Hornell on April 7, 1941, the youngest daughter of Gustava and Margaret (Hebenstreit) Pollinger.

Growing up in Hornell, Margie attended the former St. Ann School and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1959).  After graduation, she was trained at the former St. James Mercy Hospital as a surgical tech. Margie worked in the surgical unit full time for several years and part time while raising her young family before becoming a teacher’s aide with the Hornell City School District.  She began her career with the district as a special education aide at the Lincoln School and then became a computer aide at both the Bryant and Intermediate schools. Margie retired in 2003 after thirty-three years.  Upon retirement, she babysat her grandchildren for several joyful and memorable years.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and former communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  Margie played an active role (floral arrangements and crown) for the May Crowning Ceremony at the former St. Ignatius Church and was a Cub Scout Den Leader for several years. Margie was also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn & Ronald Quinlan; brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Jean (Quartz) Pollinger; sister-in-law, Josephine (Secondo) Didsbury; brother-in-law, Thomas Smith.

Margie was married on December 7, 1963 to Jerry D. Secondo who survives. Also, surviving are her son, Michael (Susan) Secondo of Bronxville NY; her daughter, Eileen (James) Marino of Hornell NY; four grandchildren, Juliet & Natalie Marino of Hornell, Ignatius (Nate) Marino of Rochester NY, Reid Secondo of Boston, MA; step-granddaughter, Hilary Marshall of Newport, RI; brother-in-law and wife, Tom (Mary) Secondo of Hornell, NY; sister-in-law, Carole (Secondo) Smith of Pulteney; brother-in-law, Bernie Didsbury of Arizona.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews from the Secondo, Pollinger, and Quinlan families.

She enjoyed playing bunco and cards, having coffee with the girls at the Texas Cafe and JC’s Cafe, traveling (especially to Newport RI), playing the piano, and family gatherings around the holidays. However, her greatest joy was watching her children & grandchildren in sporting events (swimming & soccer), musical events (choir & band concerts), high school plays and many dance recitals.

Margie will be remembered as the family seamstress, for her delicious pies, cookies and cakes, and as being a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She will be sadly missed and forever loved by those touched by her friendly smile.  A friend to all, Margie had a genuine way of making people feel welcome, and anyone who knew her was touched by her compassion and friendship.

The family of Mary M. “Margie” Secondo will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Margie’s family would like to express their gratitude for the outstanding care and support she received during the last 3 months of her life, especially to Dr. Picco and staff, supportive relatives, and true friends.  A special thank you to the staff at Comfort Care / Hospice at St. James Hospital who provided such comfort to Margie in her final days.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margie’s name may be made to Comfort Care / Hospice at St. James Hospital, 7329 Seneca Road North, Hornell, NY 14843 or Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

7 Responses to “Mary Margaret Secondo”

  1. Shawn D. Hogan says:

    A wonderful woman full of love and kindness. Mary was always so welcoming, caring, and full of life. My most sincere condolences to the Jerry and the Secondo, Pollinger and Quinlan families. May she res in peace.

  2. Judy Coleman Nixon says:

    Margie was the sweetest lady, friend and co-worker. She always had time for her family and friends. RIP with the angels.

  3. Schuyler c Hawley says:

    Mary you will deeply be missed.we were neighbors for years. You delivered my first daughter. We were more than just neighbors we were friends and I will miss u deeply. My heart goes out to you Jerry and to the family

  4. Paul Eno says:

    Audrey and I send sincere condolences to Jerry and to other loved ones. My parents, Paul and Marion, lived at 23 Crosby St. from 1930’s to 1992 when they were in failing health and moved to be near my family in western Michigan. Margie and I were playmates as children and friends always. Jerry and my father became good friends and he would often help out my parents as would Margie. They could always be counted on in time of need.

    Margie was a kind person and she will be truly missed by all. My grandparents, Frances and George Weber lived at #25 Crosby so we all knew each other well. I remember her parents and also her grandfather, Henry Hebenstreit, during the time he lived at #26. Audrey and I last saw Margie and Jerry when we were in Hornell to celebrate Audrey’s 50th high school reunion at Alfred-Almond in 2002. We stopped by their home and Jerry treated us to some freshly made Italian biscotti. His sister Carol happened to be there. She and I were in high school band together in the late 1950’s. A wonderful family.

  5. Heidi Burzycki Rankin says:

    My sympathies to you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories from the early to late 80’s.(Michael, Eileen, Philip, Luigi)Hospitality was wonderfully generous! Thank you for my memories. May you rest in peace Mrs. Secondo.
    Heidi Burzycki Rankin

  6. Pete and Julie Pollinger says:

    Our Aunt Margie was the finest example of consideration, kindness and respect for others. She greeted everyone with her beautiful smile, and whenever we visited her inviting home, she insisted we have a drink and treat. If we had a loose tooth as kids, we would go to Aunt Marg to remove it painlessly. Our hearts are broken from her loss – and for Jerry, Mike, Eileen and grandchildren. Aunt Marg truly was royalty among women. We are comforted to know that she is out of pain and at peace.

  7. Jennifer & Steve Dumont says:

    So heartbroken that our dear Aunt Margie has left us, but fond memories of her will forever be in our hearts. Just as her life touched our lives in a way that nothing could, so has her loss.

    Aunt Margie exuded warmth and genuine caring, with that awesome smile and twinkle in her eyes.

    Growing up, we lived just around the corner from Aunt Margie, Uncle Jerry & our cousins and their house was a favorite place for us kids to visit. So welcoming and always a special freshly baked treat to enjoy! We have special memories of her playing the piano and also loving to dance with Uncle Jerry (they were quite good dancers!). More recently, we loved listening to her talk lovingly of her grandkids which always brought an extra sparkle to her eyes!

    Sending our heartfelt condolences to Uncle Jerry, Mike & Eileen and their families. Love, hugs and prayers to you all.