Mary A. McNamara McElroy, 94, of Peekskill, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by the grace and faith that guided her life. Raised in the Bronx, NY, she was the oldest of four children born to Mary and Patrick McNamara. She attended St Angela Merici Elementary School followed by St. Clare Academy in Hasting-on-Hudson, NY. Mary earned a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College with a major in psychology and a minor in education. She later earned a master’s degree in education with a specialty in curriculum development from Cleveland State University and the highly regarded C.I.S.M diploma from The International School of Montessori in Bergamo, Italy.
With unwavering commitment, Mary lived a life of deep faith and spiritual conviction. She was a devoted educator, and the heart of a large and loving family. In 1955, Mary married John (Jack) McElroy, and together they raised eight children – Terence (Carol Keeler), Brian (Eileen Whelan), Barry, Michael (Andrea Egan), Mary Rose Guiry (Dennis), Kevin, Clare Larkin (Jeffrey), and Kathleen. Above all else, Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren who were the light of her life – Patrick, Theresa, Taylor, Connor, Briana, Brendan (Madeleine), Brian, Courtney, Michael, Ryan, Liam and Molly. She cherished nothing more than time spent with her family, whether gathered at home or enjoying treasured moments together in Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor, New York. Mary is survived by her brothers, Michael McNamara and James McNamara and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister, Joan McNamara Hanrahan.
Mary started her teaching career at St. Jerome’s School in the Bronx with a class of 63 first grade boys. For more than 40 years, Mary served as an elementary educator and principal. A lifelong believer in the Montessori method, Mary dedicated her professional life to nurturing the minds, independence, and curiosity of children. In 1979, she co-founded the Beatrice Ayer Patton School of Montessori in Bridgewater, Connecticut — a lasting reflection of her passion for education and her belief in the potential of every child she taught. For many years, she was Head Mistress and teacher at The Montessori Children’s House in Providence, RI.
Mary’s faith was central to her life. She served as an oblate of the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut where she lived for more than a decade in close fellowship with the Benedictine community. Her life was one of devotion, humility, service, and prayer.
Mary will be remembered for her gentle wisdom, her dedication to children and learning, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family and all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched — as an educator, a mentor, a mother, a grandmother, and a woman of grace.
Funeral Home Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McGrath and Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY 10708. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 19 from 4p.m. – 8p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation Church, 470 Westchester Avenue, Crestwood, NY 10707.
A private burial will be held later in the spring.
Condolence(1)-
Simone says
February 19, 2026 at 11:18 amI was a student of Mary’s in the early 2000s at Montessori Children’s House. She made a powerful impression on my young mind and helped foster my creativity and love of reading and writing. I remember her teaching me grammar and cursive, which I am grateful for even in a day when those things are rarely emphasized. I would not be who I am without her guidance and the Montessori system. This Ash Wednesday (yesterday) I thought of her. I remember that she was the first person I saw wear ashes on their forehead. As a child, I did not know what it meant. It all seemed so grave and mysterious, but now I realize she was a profound woman of faith and that stuck with me. Today I felt called to look her up, and was surprised to learn she passed away only a few days ago. Maybe it was her soul reaching out to me. I don’t know. Now that I know what Ash Wednesday means, I am greatly moved that a thought of her came to my mind. It has been many years, but she will live on in my memory. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.