Mary  E. Gillen Serico, of Port Charlotte, died peacefully on June 9^th , 2024 at the age of 92.   Mary was the daughter of the late Catherine McKenna Gillen and John Gillen.

Mary was born and raised in  Bronx, New York and attended St. Luke’s Parochial School and Cathedral High School.  She was a graduate of Hunter College in Manhattan, New York and earned her MSW from Fordham University.  For many years, she served as a social worker for the New York Foundling Hospital whose mission was to place children for adoption. After moving to Port Charlotte, Mary had a second career as a realtor working for Gravesen Realty.

Mary was an avid reader throughout her life.  She loved a good conversation and enjoyed telling stories of the life and times in which she grew up.  While she lived in Port Charlotte for more than 50 years, she never lost her New York sensibility. She was known for her big smile and warm personality and was always up for an adventure.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Al Serico, by her brother John, stepdaughter, Betty Gannon, and is survived by her loving children, Catherine and James. Catherine and James provided extraordinary care for Mary through her many years of illness, allowing her to remain home in familiar surroundings.  Other surviving family members include a stepson, Joseph Serico and his wife, Denise, step-grandchildren, Laura Serico, Jennifer Serico Kurlanski, Caitlin Gannon McKenzie, and Christopher Gannon and many cousins in the McKenna family.

Mary’s viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 19^th from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Roberson Funeral Home in Port Charlotte, Florida.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo  Catholic Church at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Mary. Friends may visit www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.