Mary Noto Welsh Obituary

Mary Virginia Noto Welsh went to be with her Lord Jesus whom she knew intimately through her deep faith, her lifelong devotion to daily Mass and centering prayer. She passed away Wednesday morning, September 27, 2023 at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living.

Mary was born on April 29, 1939 to Francesca Caruso (Frances) and Vincenzio (Jimmy) Noto in their family home in Evans City, PA. Her brothers Donny, Bruno, Nelson and Jimmy survive her. Mary's sister, Lena and Momma are getting her mansion ready in heaven, cooking and cleaning, while our beloved Charles Welsh is helping with the decorating.

Mary was wed to J. Paul Welsh (Boone) at St Matthias Catholic Church in Evans City, PA in August 1959. During their 64 year devoted marriage, they lived in PA, KY, TX, and NC and raised 5 children; Linda, Diane (Mark), John (Erin) David (Anna) and Michael (Karie). Her 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons were all sources of great joy! 'Nonna' had a gift of making each one feel special. She touched the hearts of people from all walks of life, especially those living on the margins of society, with compassion and a non-judgmental heart. Like her Daddy, she never knew a stranger. A Hospice Volunteer in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, Mary was fearless when it came to caring for others. She taught us lessons of discernment, generosity, honesty, fairness, love, hope, forgiveness. Her examples of healthy eating and reading live on in our lives.

Mary was always one to have fun! As a young mother, she was the playful adult who would set up games for all of the neighborhood children. One of the highlights of Mary's life were the 'Noto Family Reunions'. At the reunions, she initiated 'Aunt Mary's Fun Lunch' with games and even pen-pals to connect cousins. She introduced us to 'yoga laughter' and even took belly dancing classes!

Throughout her life, Mary loved nature and cherished watching sunsets. Her children recall her calling them to come outside or to the window to watch the beauty unfold. Mary loved dark chocolate, figs, thrifting, BINGO, telling stories, giving foot massages, regifting and of course Italian food. She recently discovered a latent talent for singing while at Deerfield Ridge. IYKYK.

We will keep her beautiful memory alive and her song in our hearts and everything will be AOK. Though her loss is immeasurable, so is the love she left behind.

A Celebration of Mary's life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, NC on October 7, 2023 at 11:00 am. Following the service, there will be a reception with lots of Italian food and cookies. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Wine to Water (WTW.org) an organization that Mary supported for many years. Your contributions will help carry forward her legacy of generosity and compassion, bringing water and hope to those in need.