Mary Frances Studer

At the quiet hour of 4:40 a.m. on May 13th, after a brief illness, Mary Frances Studer (née Lawless), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on February 5th, 1951, to Harvey and Anne Lawless, their third child. In time, Harvey and Anne would welcome nine more children into the family. The stories from growing up on Locust Avenue in Freeport in the lively Lawless household are countless — and often hilarious. Though Mary moved out at 18, she remained deeply close throughout her life to all of her siblings — Michael, Kathy, Tom, JP, Peter & Paul, Frank, Patrick, Eileen, Joe, and Danny — as well as their partners and families.

At 16, Mary attended a party hosted by Michael Studer. Michael left his own party to take a walk with her, and somewhere along that walk, they held hands for the first time. It was the beginning of a life together. They married on February 26th, 1977. They honeymooned in the Virgin islands, nearly killing themselves after falling off a rented scooter in St. Thomas. They survived that adventure and would go on to share nearly 50 more years filled with some of life’s hardest and most beautiful moments. Though very different in many ways, they shared a devotion to one another that was extraordinary to witness.

Through marriage, Mary became part of the Studer family and embraced the same closeness with Michael’s parents, Billie Lou and Hal, and his siblings, John and Joan, and their families, that she shared with the Lawless clan.

Mary worked as an executive secretary for, among other organizations, Foster Lipkins Corp. (contractor for the Albany, NY mall), Madison Square Garden, Lester Osterman Productions, and, later in life, St. Christopher Ottille, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Mary and Michael were living on Riverside Drive in Manhattan in 1978 when they welcomed their son, Michael Jason (“MJ”), into the world. They later moved back to Long Island, where they welcomed their daughters Kathleen Elizabeth in 1980 and Kristin Anne in 1982.

Mary was a deeply devoted mother. Her children were always her first priority. She was committed to raising them with unconditional love and instilling in them the values of education, independence, faith, and compassion for others. She recognized and celebrated each of their differences. Her children could always count on her to see them fully. She was their greatest support and safest harbor.

When her grandchildren arrived, Mary became the most attentive, joyful, and loving “Mom-Mom.” She was a baby whisperer who could lull her grandchildren to sleep with ease. She always found time to speak with each of them individually and learn what they had been up to. Often this happened during family gatherings, but the most treasured moments came during golf cart rides around Merriewold — the perfect excuse to steal away together. Anna, Liam, Caroline, Declan, Michael Forest, Brooke, Matilda, and Andie will miss her deeply and remain forever grateful for the memories they shared with their Mom-Mom.

Last week, when it came time for the grandchildren and in-laws to say goodbye, Beth, MJ's wife, Ron, Kathleen’s husband, and Tyler, Kristin’s husband, all were able to say thank you to her for creating their favorite people.

“This life isn’t a dress rehearsal,” Mary often said.

She loved the sound of dry leaves crunching beneath her feet in the fall, walking out into a downpour, the smell of lilacs, and chocolate-covered almonds. She let her children stay up late to listen to “just one more” Motown song until midnight crept near. She defended herself and her family fiercely — and sometimes loudly. She danced at weddings and in supermarket aisles. Her laugh was unforgettable, and so were her sneezes. She was a hard worker and a volunteer. She made the most delicious lemon chicken. She felt emotions deeply and cared deeply for others. She had incredible cheekbones, the greenest eyes, and a smile that lit up every room she entered. She was a beautiful writer.

She experienced pain, knew unwavering support from family and friends, and witnessed the world change again and again. She hated coconut, cilantro, and cursing. She was courageous many times over. She often had a dish towel slung over her shoulder. She was fascinated with Jackie Kennedy. She loved making lists, ice cold water, hummingbirds, the NY Giants, watching Seinfeld, listening to the Beach Boys, taking long drives, reading Dear Abby, and playing tennis and Bridge.

She was our beautiful Mary who will be missed so much by so many.

In addition to those listed above, Mary is survived by her in-laws, nieces, and nephews and their families: Judi, Blake, Melissa, Conor, Heather, Erin, Damien, Sean, Phyllis, Caroline, Mariam, Matt, Emily, Janet, Jack, Francesca, Alex, Lisa, Brenden, Kelly, Peter, Elaina, Julia, Ellen, Brent, Kayla, Tonya, Danny Jr., Mary, Timmy, Tom, Allie, Julie, Liz, her best friend, Puddy and countless other friends she had the pleasure of knowing throughout her years. She was preceded in death by: Marybeth, Peggy, Justin, and Natalie.

There will be a funeral mass for Mary on June 6th, 2026 at 1:30pm St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, 523 Western Hwy., Blauvelt NY. Following the mass, friends and family are welcome to join the Studers at 679 Western Highway, Blauvelt NY.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause close to your heart.

Professional arrangements entrusted to Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487. www.gpanochfunerals.com

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