So sorry to learn of Mary's passing. I rented an apartment from her from 1995 - 98 following my divorce. She was a wonderful and supportive person to both me and also my son. She was young at heart and loved her family. My condolences to her family. May happy memories of your mother remain with you forever. Don Holford

So sorry to learn of Mary's passing. I rented an apartment from her from 1995 - 98 following my divorce. She was a wonderful and supportive person to both me and also my son. She was young at heart and loved her family. My condolences to her family. May happy memories of your mother remain with you forever. Don Holford

Sending love and prayers. I'm thankful for the memories I have with Aunt Mary and hope she is at peace. Love, Hannah

To the family, What can we say to Aunt Mary who was the force to be reckon with. The memories we recalled were from her delicious homemade manicotti at Christmas and her visit to Connecticut to put up the Winnie the Pooh wallpaper for Dylan’s nursery. We will always remember Aunt Mary and her spirit forever in our hearts. All our love and hugs, Charlie, Dylan, and Hannah ❤️

In memory of Mary Lema, Lena lit a candle

To my favorite sister, So many things have occurred in our life times. The thing that sticks out in my mind is the whole month we played hookey from school, We used to meet in the candy story after Mama went to work until we got caught. Mama went every day to your high school, Julia Richmond to check that you were there. We saw a lot of Frank Sinatra movies .together. We were very close. You used to wear my clothes and I used to steal yours too, We used to sneak out the window for a cigarette. and go out dancing. Brother Nicky knew we were smoking and he told us, "Blind men can't see, but they sure can smell." We went to Italy together. and met our relatives. Alberto met us in Rome and took us all around, We have such happy memories and I will see you when I see you. Love, Lena

Thoughts and prayers to Mary and her family Love, Dylan

Dearest Aunt Mary, I don't remember my christening, but I never forgot that you are my godmother. My first memory of you is when you cut my nails so short they looked like stubs. I loved you anyway. My next memory is of your kitchen in Astoria. I think you had a swing in it. Maybe for Angela? Then, you sent me to the store for bologna. I got lost and was calling your name at the top of my lungs from the street below. Did I mention there were multiple apartment buildings that all looked alike? You lived in a 4 or 5 story walk-up. I was crying and then you appeared out of the window! When I finally arrived up the stairs you hugged me. And then we ate bologna sandwiches together. Fast forward to grandma's house where you lived upstairs. Thankfully, I knew where the house was and it was only the second floor! Uncle Spero (or Chic, as you called him) worked at night. You were the only one who could wake him from a deep slumber. After he went to work, we played Scrabble. You always took so darn long to make your play. Always a double or triple letter oftentimes with a "Z" or a "Q" that carried 10 pts. each. Sometimes you managed both and landed on a triple word score! You always won. But I learned a lot from how you played and the moves you made.My memories include you eating the most spaghetti and the most salad at our Sunday dinners; you picked out every morsel from the soft shell crabs we boiled and added to even more spaghetti; coloring your prematurely gray hair black with Miss Clairol. Of course, my fondest memories were babysitting while you went to Las Vegas with phlebitis in your leg. You were indomitable! Then, you arranged for me to translate Spanish for the Nassau courts. Again, I got lost! I quit after a couple of tries because I was afraid that I wasn't proficient enough to translate criminal charges and might inadvertently sent some guy off with a lifetime sentence for a traffic violation. Once again, I learned from you. It was enlightening to see you in professional mode with supervisory responsibilities. Then again, you were always a bit bossy! Who else but you would type all of my college papers? Did I mention they were in Spanish? And when the next generation came along you called my Lauren, Vanna White and made her feel special because she is special. I was the first-born of the nieces and nephews and Lauren was the first-born grand niece.My last memory is this Christmas, 2021. Kevin and I brought you dinner and Italian pastries. We put it all out on the table. You got up from your chair and asked me, "What is this garbage?" You ate a pastry, drank a small glass of wine and when we left, you grabbed my hand, hugged me and said, "I'm very glad you came." As my mother said, "I'll see you when I see you." Love, Chloe

In memory of Mary Lema, Nicole Coleman lit a candle

Deepest Sympathies. I am sure the New York Yankees are going to miss their biggest fan. Rest in Peace Mary

With our condolences and love.

Our deepest sympathy for the passing of this truly amazing and unforgettable woman. She will always have a place in our hearts.

My deepest condolences to the Lema family. I have fond memories of time spent in Mary’s company. She was smart, funny and sweet, but took no bulls$&t from anyone. May she rest in eternal peace

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.