Mary T. Hartman

Mary Hartman, 75, of Old Forge, affectionately known as Drammy, Mare and MA! MA! died unexpectedly on Wednesday at home, leaving behind a family, a community, and more people than she probably ever realized whose lives were better because she was in them.

Born on December 19, 1950, in Old Forge, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Festino Corbett. She was a member of Old Forge High School’s Class of 1968. Prior to retirement, for more than 25 years, she was employed at Grico’s Restaurant, in Exeter, where she became far more than an employee. She became part of the fabric of the place. Even after health problems forced her to step away, she always hoped she would one day return to work.

Mary was deeply loved by her family and friends. To know her was to know that she had a personality like no other. She was witty, funny, quick with a remark, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. She could make you laugh when you were supposed to be serious, and she had a way of making even ordinary moments memorable. In fact, she had already made one thing very clear about her own funeral: she wanted “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead!” played. She was one of a kind.

Nothing in the world meant more to her than her granddaughter, Brianna. Brianna was her whole world. She absolutely adored her, worried about her, bragged about her, and loved her with everything she had.

Mary was deeply loved by her daughters, Erica and Deborah, who will miss their mom more than words can express. They will especially miss their Monday dinners together - the laughter, the conversations, the stories, and the simple comfort of being together.

She also shared a very special bond with her sister, Melanie Aston, her cousin, Theresa Ann Pavlacka, and her best friend, Barb Oney. She loved each of them deeply and treasured the years of laughter and memories. They were an important part of her life.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Erica Pugliese, Deborah Butrim, a granddaughter, Brianna Kresge, all of Old Forge, granddaughter, Grace Morrow, Longmont Colorado, a sister, Melanie Aston, Springbrook, a cousin, Theresa Ann Pavlacka, Allentown, her best friend, Barb Oney, Moosic and Anna Lucarelli, Duryea who Mary deeply loved and considered her a third daughter, a niece, Desiree Reasoner, Reading, and Nephews David Bilardi (David Major), Scranton, Christopher Bilardi (Kelly), Old Forge and Roarke Aston, Reading great niece, Samantha Bilardi (Evan) and many cousins, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

Her cats, Bella, Freddy, Zoee, Alley and Cinnamon were not simply pets. They were her babies, her companions, her comfort, and her family. Anyone who knew her knew exactly how much her cats meant to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Butrim, two sisters, Janet Corbett, Jacqueline Bilardi, and a nephew, Jason Bilardi.

Since Mary’s passing, hundreds of people have reached out, shared memories, and spoken about how wonderful she was. That outpouring says so much and is appreciated. She touched so many lives simply by being herself.

To honor Mary, a viewing will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge.

To leave an online condolence, please visit the funeral home’s website at: ciucciofuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made to animal rescue centers: Ol’ Mother Cluckers’ Farm, 3051 Bunnel Road, Meshoppen, PA or the Griffin Pond Humane Society of Lackawanna County, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Abington Township, PA 18411.