Obituary of Mary C Watkins

Mary C. Watkins, 92 It is with great sadness that we announce that our Mom, Mary C. Watkins, peacefully left this world on June 29, 2021. Born in Roccamorice, Italy, Mary traveled with her family on the SS Conte Biacamano to the United States at the age of two. She first lived in Brooklyn, NY, before settling, as a young child, in Vineland, NJ, attending Vineland Public Schools. Upon graduating from Vineland High School in 1946, Mary was chosen to train and then work at NJ Bell Telephone as an overseas operator. She then left work to raise her family. In the early 1970s, she was called back into service to man the switchboards during the transition to computerize the old system. During those years, Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Grammar School PTA, Sacred Heart High School Athletic Association and the Lion`s Club Ladies Auxiliary. Mary also enjoyed working part-time through the years at Cumberland County College, The Grapevine, and Sugarplum Kids. Anyone who was touched by her gentle kindness was truly blessed. Mary was the consummate homemaker, she did it all. She took pleasure in creating a beautiful and loving home, and meticulously taking care of it. Mary always enjoyed cooking and baking, and she was especially known for her rice pudding that was requested at all family events. She was an avid reader, Pinochle player, and enjoyed puzzles. She also enjoyed crocheting beautiful blankets. Whether they were for a bridal shower, baby shower, or just for someone special, each blanket was crocheted with love. Her greatest pleasure, however, was raising her family. Mary then welcomed each grandchild and great-grandchild as if he or she was her first. As they grew up, she was always there to love, support and encourage them. Mom, MomMom, MomMom Mary the Great will be dearly missed. Mary is survived by her daughter, Cynthia, and dear son-in-law, Francis J Saffioti, Sr., Grandchildren and Families, Frank and Amy (DelMonaco) Saffioti, Jr., Luke, Drew and Eva; Joseph Saffioti, Dominic, Jason, Gemma, and Anthony; Jana (Saffioti) and Stephen Testa, Gabriella, Julia, and Vincent; John and Nicole (Lacca) Saffioti, Eliana, Avery, and Maddox. She is also survived by her son, Robert and wife, Mary Jane (Vennell) Watkins; Grandchildren and Families, Mary Elizabeth (Watkins) and Thomas Pontano, Madi and Myla; Robert (RJ) and Crystal (Dooley) Watkins; Ryan and Amanda (Dennis) Watkins, Emma and Ella; Alexander, Nicholas, and Zachary Watkins; and many loving nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and friends, especially Patricia Garyon. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Giacinto (John) and Graziella (Grace) D`Attilio; stepmother, Mary (Petronglo) D`Attilio; her loving husband of 50 years, Robert J Watkins; her brothers, Pasquale (Pat) D`Attilio, and Cesidio; and dear friend, Albert Rochetti. The family extends a very special heart-felt thanks to Mom`s excellent Health Care Team, LIFE Program at Inspira Health Network; and to the wonderful compassionate caretakers at Summit Place Assisted Living in Glassboro, NJ. Words are not enough to express our gratitude for the love and care she received. A church visitation will be held on SATURDAY, JULY 10th from 9am to 10:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am from Christ The Good Shepherd Parish - Church Of Sacred Heart, 1010 East Landis Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation in Mary`s memory to the "Inspira LIFE Program" at Inspira Health Foundation. Checks can be mailed to 159 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill NJ 08062 and made payable to Inspira Health Foundation along with Inspira LIFE and Mary Watkins in the memo. Donations may also be made online at InspiraFoundation.org/GIVE with designation instruction to "Inspira LIFE" along with completing the in-memory field. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com