Mary Antoinette DeBaun: A Life Remembered
It is with heavy, but celebratory, hearts that we announce the passing of Mary "Honey" DeBaun on August 29th, 2023, in Bradenton, FL at the remarkable age of 96. Her journey was one of unwavering devotion and love for her family, with a smile, sense of humor, and a strength in kindness, that will leave an enduring mark on the hearts she has left behind.
Born to Nicholas Sanky and Frances Albano on August 23, 1927, in Brooklyn, NY, Mary was a pillar of strength and unwavering support to her siblings Charles Sanky, James Sanky, Joseph Sanky, and Theresa Curcio, as well as to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, good friends along the way, and her many aunts and uncles who were raised as her siblings after the passing of her grandmother.
Eventually meeting her beloved Joseph H. DeBaun, Mary and Joseph were married on January 25, 1948 and together started a family that would become the bedrock of both their lives, starting with their three beloved children, Diane Barlin, Denise DeBaun, and Joseph H. DeBaun, Jr., and continuing with the birth of their cherished grandchildren, Michael Lee Barlin, Melanie Lynn O'Brien, Joseph DeBaun III, Nicholas DeBaun, Dylan DeBaun, and Morgan DeBaun, as well as their precious great-grandchildren Shaolin Meliora Censullo, D.J. O'Brien, Jordan Barlin, Joy Force Barlin, Dannika Kaitlyn O'Brien, Sirius DeBaun, and Luna DeBaun.
Late in life, Mary got a job as a clerk at the Bowery Bank in Manhattan, NY which she was immensely proud of, but there was nothing she cared about more than her family, on whom she showered endless love, an exceptional commonsense wisdom that will continue to shape their lives for years to come, and her great and enduring passion for cinema and theater which lives on in all their hearts.
Mary also possessed a vibrancy and generosity of spirit that knew no limits, her Cheshire smile, wit, sense of humor, and carpe diem attitude lighting up every room she entered, making her a treasured friend and confidant to so many, especially those close friends who became her extended family in Bradenton. Her bravery in the face of life's challenges, living through a stroke in 2003, and the eventual death of her beloved Joseph on January 24, 2010, was truly inspiring.
Her legacy is one of love, laughter, family, friends, and the enduring impact of a life lived with purpose.
And bingo.
In her final days, whenever she spoke to anyone, all she cared about was making sure that person knew that she loved them and would always be looking over them.
As we remember Mary DeBaun, we hold in our hearts the lessons she imparted, the love she freely gave, the movies she shared with us, and the warmth and humor that radiated from her like a warm hug. Her presence will be sorely missed, but her memory will forever remain a guiding light for those fortunate enough to have known her.
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly suggests that you take your family out to a restaurant or dinner she loved, or to a movie which was close to Mary's heart. Embrace love.
A date has not been set for her celebration of life. In the meantime, family and friends are invited to honor the memory of a remarkable woman whose spirit will live on in our hearts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
