Mary Bono, age 103, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at a local nursing home, on May 3, 2026.

She is survived by 2 sons, Richard and wife, Annette, of Irvine, California and Robert and spouse, Anthony DiNorcia), of West Palm Beach, Florida, 2 living granddaughters, Jennifer Pronio (Jake), Leslie Romero (Chris), and predeceased by granddaughter, Erica Bono, 4 Great Grandchildren: Kayla Pronio, Matthew Pronio, Easton Romero, and Colter Romero.

Having grown up during The Great Depression, Mary experienced "hard times", and learned how to be both frugal and a 'survivor'; she has survived all her contemporary family members, including 4 brothers. Although she was fortunate to live a 'comfortable' lifestyle, later in life, the effects of her early years could be recalled, wherein she could recount "The Great Depression Experience" in an instant! Mary went on to attend The High School of Needle Arts, in New York City (precursor to F.I.T./Fashion Institute of Technology), where she learned to be a dressmaker, eventually being employed by a high-end bridal shop, wedding gowns becoming her specialty. From there, Mary did her part for the war effort, taking a job at The Brooklyn Navy Yard, where by the hand of fate, combined with some 'crafty' meetings, arranged by friends on both sides, she met the man (Joseph Bono), whom she'd eventually marry. Sewing and dressmaking remained a part of Mary's entire life; she made the very dress in which she is being buried, originally made for her son Ricky's wedding, in 1970!

In 1966, after having cared for her aging mother and her sons were somewhat self-sufficient, Mary went back to work in the financial district of New York City, eventually finding herself working on the 97th floor, in one of The Twin Towers; she remained there until 1976, when she decided to retire, to care for her husband, who had had open heart surgery in 1972 and eventually passed away in 1979. Living to the age of 103, Mary was widowed (1979-2026, 46 years), longer than she was married (1946-1979, 33 years)!

Mary was drawn to participating in activities at St. Thomas More Church, volunteering to be in several variety shows, from the late 1980's through the 1990's, under the direction of Father Frank Lecchiara, known to most as 'Father Frank'; she went on to join the Madonna Guild, for which fundraising was a main focus, once participating in a bridal fashion show, where she walked the runway, wearing the same dress in which she was married, some 60 years earlier!

Never wanting to be idle, Mary volunteered as usher, first at the Duncan Theater, at Palm Beach State College, later at The Kravis Center, and finally, at the Mae Volen Senior Center, in Boynton Beach, where, as she would put it: "I serve the old people their lunch", to which I replied, "Mom, you're older than they are!"! LOL! The advent of COVID ended Mary's career as volunteer, having cooled her momentum.

Anyone who met her, soon learned where he stood with Mary; some of my friends said she had 'no filter', whatever thought came into her head, quickly shot right out of her mouth; she was often compared to 'Sophia', from "The Golden Girls"!

Mary was fortunate to reach age 100, living at home, but shortly thereafter, she suffered an episode which required she be hospitalized, with a subsequent stay in rehab, where it became obvious that she would not be able to return home; by The Grace of God, ignorance is bliss, as Mary, at 100 plus, was never able to fully comprehend her living situation, as the 'real Mary' would been 'kicking and screaming'!

A visitation will be held from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Boynton Memorial Chapel.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am Monday, June 1, 2026 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, followed by interment at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth.