Mary Masten
July 16, 1938 ~ November 15, 2023
The world lost a beloved mother, Mary Masten on November 15, 2023. Mary passed in her home surrounded by those who loved her. She was the daughter of the late Mary and Charles Ackerman. Mary was born in Jersey City, NJ and moved to Brooklyn, NY shortly after. Always a fighter, Mary was diagnosed with Polio as a young girl and was placed in an iron lung for over a year. Upon the advice of her physician, Mary's parents moved to the Hudson Valley and away from the city. They made their home in Walden, NY, where she graduated high school and met and married the love of her life, Fred Masten, who passed away in 2018 after 53 years of marriage.
Nobody worked harder than Mary. After marriage, she earned her Associates Degree at OCCC in business and marketing. She held several Office Manager positions over the years as well as a District Manager position with Avon. It was her second career that brought her the most joy. Always, the caretaker, she became a Home Health Care Aid – a job she would hold until Alzheimer's Disease made her retire at the age of 82. Even then, she was answering calls and trying to sneak off to help her patients.
She had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and could often be found in the Newburgh Library researching a variety of topics. Her love for travel, the beach, other cultures and experiences took her to many European countries. Her last big trip was in 2019, when she went to Alaska to explore.
Poetically, Mary was blessed with a caretaker for the past two years who matched her own passion for service to others. Karen Stureski was hired as an aid to assist in her care so that Mary's son could work and leave the house. Karen and her entire family became part of Mary's family. Her sincere love, care and compassion went far beyond a mere job. Dr. Makam and his team oversaw Mary's care for most of her adult life. Special thanks to them for their commitment and care. Orange and Sullivan Hospice who were invaluable in Mary's last days.
Mary is survived by her devoted son, Jeffrey, and his partner, Irene Dodge. Jeff selflessly and tirelessly rose to the challenging role of being Mary's caretaker for the past 3 ½ years. While Alzheimer's robbed Mary of her independence, Jeff gave her all the love, support, care and dignity that she so deserved. Lastly, Bartie, the scarediest cat of all, was a loving part of her family and support team.

A Mass of Christian Burial to be offered at 11:00 am, Monday, November 20, 2023 at our Lady Of The Lake Chapel in Newburgh, NY. Family will receive guests prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that donations be made to Hudson Valley ASPCA or a charity of choice in her name.