Mary McSpirit

Mary B. McSpirit nee Dempsey of Alpine, NJ, formerly of Englewood Cliffs passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on June 12, 2022. Mary was born in West New York, NJ to Anthony and Julia Dempsey. It was in West New York where her brother, Bobby, introduced her to Jerry, her future husband. They married in 1960 at St. Joseph's Church in West New York and began the ride of their life together. Together with Jerry, Mary built a successful business providing vintage cars and transportation for the film industry. In addition, she served as the assistant borough clerk for the Borough of Englewood Cliffs and later court clerk. She enjoyed over 25 years there and made lasting friendships. The joys of her life were family and cherished pets. Every Friday night, she went to dinner with her husband, granddaughter, and best friends from childhood, Tina and Joe. Most evenings she could be found talking on her rotary phone with one of her four siblings. Mary loved all creatures great and small. For years, she woke up at 4:30 in the morning to clean the stalls for her horses and darling pony, Hemingway, Ruby, and Nellie, before work. Over the years, she had a “fleet” of German Shepherds, and took many cats into her care. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Julia Dempsey, her beloved sisters, Margaret Dempsey, Joan Simunovich, her brother, Robert and her nephew, Michael Grimes. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, her daughter Maureen McSpirit, son-in-law, Bill Beckett and her granddaughter Julia McSpirit Beckett, with whom she shared a divine closeness. She is also survived by her adored sisters, Eileen Panarotto and Julia Holtje, her brother-in-law Dennis McSpirit (Giovina), her treasured nieces and nephews, MaryJo Simunovich (goddaughter), Denise Vigoa, Jimmy Dempsey, Colleen McSpirit, Dennis McSpirit, Kerri Cornella, Danny Panarotto, Ryan Panarotto, and great-nieces and nephews. Mary lived an exciting life with her (Mc)spirited husband, Jerry. Mary was the epitome of strength, hard work, and resilience. She was passionate about her beliefs, on which she never compromised. Mary will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and pets. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Visitation at Barrett Leber Funeral Home, 148 Dean Dr., Tenafly, NJ 07670 on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 4-9 PM. Funeral Mass, Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Haworth. Interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.