Obituary of Mary "Maria" C. King

Mary "Maria" Cecilia King

Born May 22, 1936 in Swinford, County Mayo, Ireland to Michael and Mary Ellen Dwyer. Maria is survived by her three sons, Michael, John, and Andrew (Patricia), her brother Michael, and sister Anne. She is predeceased by her husband John, and brothers William and Richard Dwyer.

Maria led a very spiritual and faithful life. She was an avid swimmer and a champion tennis star in her youth. At an early age, she found her calling to help people in need. Maria fulfilled this passion in her profession as a Registered Nurse. In 1965, she took six months off work and donated her time to the Bolte Abbey and the monks from Mount St. Joseph Abbey, Roxcrea. Maria then went on to spend the next year working in the Bahamas before arriving in the United States in 1967.

In November of 1969, while working at Roosevelt Hospital in midtown Manhattan, she was invited to an Irish-American dance that changed her life. That night she met John J. King and they married four months later. They remained married for 51 years. Their marriage exemplified unconditional love and profound faith.

Maria was an extraordinary mother to her three sons, and always embraced family and friends with her kind heart and welcoming arms. Maria worked hard to ensure her sons had a good education, a faith-driven background and unconditional love.

Her faith in humanity and God was inspirational. Maria's patience, perseverance and personality inspired others to never give up and to never lose hope. As a nurse and caretaker, Maria earned a highly regarded reputation in healthcare. From 1978 until her retirement in 2000, she worked for dignitaries, celebrities, successful business people and the common man.

Maria's dedication to staying positive and helping others served her well as she progressed through her years. At the age of 64, Maria was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, but she never let the disease define her. She relentlessly delayed the progression of her disease by establishing routines and activities such as her own pool exercise program. Maria would constantly stay positive and never lose faith as her disease progressed. She said, "This is just part of my journey and what the Lord has laid out for me". That journey never took away her positive attitude, uplifting spirit, and profound faith.

In lieu of flowers, and to continue Maria's passion of charity, the family asks that you donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or your local place of worship in her honor.

Funeral Mass Wednesday 10:30am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Centerport, NY. Burial to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Huntington.