Mary Jane Mackey

Mary Jane (Villareale) Mackey, of East Northport, New York, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 18, 1933, to Nancy (Mazzie) Villareale and Joseph Villareale in Rochester, she lived a life filled with grace, love, and devotion to her family.
Mary Jane graduated from East High School in Rochester in 1951. She went on to attend Alfred University in Alfred, New York, where she studied Sociology and became a proud member of the Pi Alpha Pi sorority. During her college years, she formed many cherished, lifelong friendships. Mary Jane graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Mary Jane remained an active and devoted member of the Alfred University alumni community throughout her life. She served on the Alfred University Alumni Council and as her class correspondent, roles through which she stayed closely connected with her classmates and continued to support the university she loved.
Following graduation, she began her career in education, teaching in both Rochester and on Long Island until December 1964.
Mary Jane married the love of her life, Samuel Thomas “Tom” Mackey, on April 28, 1962, in Rochester, New York. The two first met in Port Washington when Mary Jane moved in across the street from Tom’s childhood home — the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on kindness, laughter, and deep affection.
After living in Farmingdale for a few years, they purchased their family home in East Northport, New York, in October 1964, where they remained for 61 years. It was in this home that they raised their children, welcomed family and friends for holidays and special occasions, and created a lifetime of cherished memories together.
She and Tom loved taking their children to Lake George, New York, every year — a tradition that began more than 53 years ago. Their summers at the lake created countless family memories and dear friendships that have endured through the generations.
Once her children were grown, Mary Jane returned to her passion for education, teaching full-time at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School in West Islip, New York. She found great joy and purpose in her classroom, guiding and inspiring her students with patience, warmth, and a genuine love of learning.
A devoted and active member of her community, Mary Jane was a longstanding member of the Elwood Taxpayers Association, serving as its president for many years. She was passionate about civic involvement and took great pride in advocating for her community’s needs. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was her dedication to the creation of a public library for Elwood, a project she championed tirelessly for many years. Her vision and perseverance helped bring that dream to life with the opening of the Elwood Public Library in 2004. Mary Jane was a member of the Huntington Club, loved to play Mahjong, and for many years enjoyed her monthly lunches with the "Alfred Ladies".
Mary Jane was an avid dancer from a young age, having studied dance since she was just two years old. To see Mary Jane dance with Tom was a joy — a memory her family and friends will forever cherish.
Known for her warmth and hospitality, Mary Jane loved gathering family and friends around the table. Her New Year’s Day parties, her homemade meatballs, and her pasta sauce were legendary — traditions that brought generations together and filled her home with laughter, love, and the comforting aromas of Italian cooking.
Mary Jane is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Samuel Thomas Mackey; her sister, Patricia Villareale, of Rochester, New York; her children, Steven Mackey of Manhasset, New York, Kara Mackey (Mark Sikora) of Corning, New York, Susan Mackey of Sound Beach, New York, and Michael (Christina) Mackey of Hillsdale, New Jersey; and her four beloved grandchildren, Cameron and Carissa Dopman, and Riley and Taylor Mackey.
Mary Jane’s life was defined by her love for family, her dedication to her community, and her strength of character. She was firm in her convictions and never hesitated to speak up for what she believed was right. Those who knew her admired her determination, respected her honesty, and were inspired by her passion. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched — in her family, her students, and the community she helped shape.
Funeral Mass Thursday, November 6, 2025, 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 29 Clay Pitts Road, Greenlawn New York, 11740.  A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of Flowers, gifts can be made to Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, VNSHS 505 Main Street Northport, NY 11768

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