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Mary M. Pendergast, age 78, of Venice, Florida passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Venice Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born on June 21, 1945 in Providence, Rhode Island. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Mildred Pendergast, brothers Daniel J., Col. James F., Michael M. and Peter D. Pendergast. She is survived by a brother, Brian D. and wife Diane Pendergast, of Warwick, along with 16 nieces and nephews. She was the sister-in-law of Beverly Pendergast, Lois Pendergast, Carol Edwards, and the late Shirley B. Pendergast.
Being the youngest in a large Irish family, Mary learned at an early age to stand up for herself. Her Warwick roots ran deep as her family lived in the Oakland Beach, Riverview and Cowesett areas. Mary graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1963 and Rhode Island College in 1967 (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees). Upon graduating, she was hired as an elementary school teacher assigned to the Potowomut School. Her career as a classroom teacher continued until 1991. Mary was then elected President of the Warwick Teachers Union and served in that capacity for 15 years until her retirement in 2006.
Mary enjoyed many years in retirement while living in Greenville, Rhode Island and the sunny state of Florida. Mary’s years of residence in Florida were highlighted by hosting, family get-togethers, with her “Penderclan.”
A Memorial Mass for Mary and deceased members of her family will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Private burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Cornerstone Adult Services, 140 Warwick Neck Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889. www.barrettandcotter.com
