Mary Louise Wilkes (née Iarossi), 88, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, in Suffern, New York. Born on July 7, 1936, Mary was a profoundly creative spirit with a deep well of spirituality and a boundless love for her family and friends. Her life was a tapestry woven from art, intellect, compassion, and faith.
Mary’s artistic gifts came naturally and flourished through formal study at the School of Industrial Art in New York City (now the High School of Art and Design), along with coursework at The Art Students League and the Rockland Center for the Arts. She became known for her serene oil and pastel landscapes, particularly of the Hudson Valley—a region that inspired much of her work.
In addition to her visual art, Mary was a meticulous editor, writer, and proofreader. She contributed to various local publications, including the Rockland Journal News, where her sharp eye for language and grammar left a lasting mark.
Mary’s later years were marked by her devotion to community service. She worked compassionately with the elderly, served as a poll supervisor during many elections, and was a tireless advocate for voter registration.
A lifelong seeker of truth and meaning, Mary explored multiple faith traditions over the years, including Judaism, Episcopalianism, and Roman Catholicism. She often reflected on her theology through the lens of early Christianity, always searching for spiritual insight.
Mary also had a poetic soul. She wrote about nature, her personal journey, and the world around her, while remaining a voracious reader of world history, American politics, and art history.
She is survived by her beloved family: David Wilkes, Matthew Wilkes, Susan Hutchings-Wilkes, Hillary Zilz, Eleanor Rosanova, and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Rose Renza, and her parents, Nicholas and Lucy Iarossi.
Mary’s life was a testament to grace, curiosity, and love. She touched many hearts and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as follows:
9:00 AM – Visitation at Grace Episcopal Church, 78 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY (parking available across the street in the shopping center)
11:00 AM – Funeral Mass at Grace Episcopal Church, 78 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
12:30 PM – Burial at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, 36 W. Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY
Arrangements provided by John G. Crawford Memorial Services, LLC.