Mary Florence (Castaldo) Schenck

Mary was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on June 18, 1944, the oldest of six children. A lifelong resident of Dunellen, New Jersey, she built a life centered around her family, friends, and the many people she loved. In 2016, Mary moved to Florida, where she spent her later years enjoying the warmth, nature, and the simple pleasures of life. She passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, in Wildwood, Florida, at the age of 82, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and countless lives touched by her presence.

Those who knew Mary best would describe her as loyal, fierce, determined, and, at times, wonderfully stubborn. She was never afraid to speak her mind and had a gift for telling you what you needed to hear rather than simply what you wanted to hear. Her words were honest and direct, but they always came from a place of love and genuine concern for the people in her life. Mary faced life with strength and unwavering determination, always trying to find the positive even when things were difficult. She chose not to dwell on the small things and instead focused on what truly mattered. She had a way of reminding those around her to keep moving forward, appreciate what they had, and not allow life's little troubles to overshadow the good. Mary also had a deep and special relationship with God, and her faith was a source of comfort, strength, and guidance throughout her life. She carried that faith with her in the way she loved, cared for, and supported those around her. She lived her life in the moment, embracing each day, the people she loved, and the experiences that brought her joy.

In her younger years, she was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed riding her Kawasaki motorcycles, was a certified scuba diver, and had a special fascination with hot air balloons.

When she was home, she could often be found relaxing with NCIS reruns while crocheting, working on a puzzle, crafting jewelry, scrapbooking, or creating beautiful floral arrangements. She had a creative spirit and found great joy in making things with her hands.

If she wasn't at home crafting, chances were good that she was out shopping. She loved to shop, but her true passion was thrifting and visiting auction houses in search of her next treasure. She had a special talent for finding beauty and value in things others might overlook.

Mary had a deep love for travel and adventure, but some of her favorite places were those where she could simply be surrounded by nature and the people she loved. She treasured time spent in Lake George, Ocean City, Maryland, the Poconos, and

Michigan, especially when those trips included her family. After retiring, she spent much of her time camping in Lancaster, where she enjoyed the peace and beauty of the outdoors.

Everyone who knew Mary would agree that she had a wonderful sense of style and a love for fashion. She was never afraid of bold colors, eye-catching patterns, or making a statement. Her accessories always had to match, and she seemed to have the perfect pair of shoes, purse, and jewelry for every outfit.

She also had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly her beloved Shih Tzus, who were cherished members of her family. Later in life, her compassion extended to the neighborhood's stray cats. She became a caregiver to countless cats, making sure they had food, care, and a safe place whenever she could provide one.

One of her greatest joys was having her grandchildren in her home. She treasured those afternoons together and never needed anything elaborate to make them special. She could often be found sitting on the floor playing games of Trominoes, watching Disney movies, playing Barbies, or happily making mud pies right alongside them. She loved spoiling her grandchildren, but even more than that, she loved simply being with them. Those ordinary afternoons became extraordinary memories that her grandchildren will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved deeply and gave so much of herself to the people around her. To her family and friends, she was a constant source of love, support, strength, and honesty. She was always there when she was needed, never more than a phone call away.

She was the kind of person who made sure the people she loved knew they were never alone. She brought people together, kept the family connected, and was truly the glue that held everyone together. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she gave and the countless memories she created will remain with her family and friends forever.

Mary is survived by her longtime companion, Warren “Guy” Schenck; her two daughters, Angel Fay and Dawn Schenck; her granddaughters Kelly Lynn and Roseanna Schenck (Samuel Elder); and her great-grandson, Samuel Elder Jr. She is also survived by her sisters, Margaret Riley, Louise Smestead (Ken,) Evelyn Adair (Gary,) and Jenny Lee Castaldo; her sister-in-law, Becky Bonksy Castaldo; as well as many nieces and nephews and countless dear friends who were blessed to know and love her. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Louis M. Castaldo and Eva Marie (Pantsari) Castaldo; her beloved brother, Louis M. Castaldo Jr.; and her mother-in-law, Betty Schenck.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter in Mary’s honor, as a meaningful way to show appreciation for her life and her deep love and compassion for animals. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.