Mary (Gerner) Murao Obituary
Mary F. Murao (Gerner), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, passed away suddenly on May 31, 2025, at the age of 76.
Mary was the devoted wife of 56 years to Richard F. Murao. She was a loving and caring mother to Angeline Baker (Martin) and the late Richard F. Murao, and a proud and adoring “Mom Mom” to her cherished granddaughter, Miabella.
She is survived by her dear siblings Theresa Gerner Ridgway, Jon Gerner (Linda), and Frank Gerner, and was predeceased by her sister Patience Gerner Raffaele (Dominic). Mary is also survived by her beloved Aunt Betty Cannon (the late Jerry Cannon), as well as her cousin Kimberly Cannon Valentino and many loving nieces (Kelly, Amara, Lily, and Sophia), nephews (Frank and Samson), extended family, and countless friends.
Born and raised in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, Mary was a graduate of Hallahan Catholic Girls High School and earned her teaching degree from Holy Family College. She spent her career educating children in Catholic schools across the Philadelphia area, leaving a lasting impact through her warmth, humor, and devotion to her students. Her students still, to this day, talk about how Mary was the best teacher they've ever had.
But Mary’s true legacy lives in the joy she spread everywhere she went. She was the heart of every gathering—if there was a party, Mary was the one throwing it. Music was always playing in the background, and her infectious laughter, quick wit, and beautiful smile lit up every room. She was fun-loving, and authentic to the core—if she loved you, you absolutely knew it, and if she didn’t... well, you knew that too.
Mary was constantly singing, dancing, chatting with friends, and called herself a “professional shopper”. She adored animals and shared her home and heart with many pets over the years, mostly dogs. She had a gift for creating deep, long-lasting connections—with friends she grew up with and many others she met along the way. She shared a rare and special bond with her in-laws, Terri and Marty Sr., and her son-in-law, Marty, who always described her as “sweet as pie.” She loved him like a son, and he loved her like a mother.
She was the most generous person her family ever knew—always offering to pay, always putting others first. Her daughter Angel was her whole world—her heart and best friend. Mary often said the two of them were inseparable in spirit. Mary absolutely adored her granddaughter, Bella. Their bond was something truly special—they were the very best of friends, just like Mary was with her daughter Angel. She loved her son Richie with every part of herself. Mary missed him immensely every single day for the past nine years, along with her parents, Grace and Frank, her sister Patty, her Uncle Jerry and her beloved Granny. We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with them—especially her sweet Richie—at Heaven’s gate.
Mary married her husband, Rich, when she was just 19, and has been in love with him ever since. She truly adored her sisters and brothers, and of course, the girls in her self-declared “girls club.” Mary loved vacationing in Wildwood with her family and enjoying a ride on the tram car, a slice of Mack’s pizza, and a Kohr Bros. ice cream. While everyone else was basking on the beach, you’d find Mary tucked away happily under the boardwalk, enjoying the shade and the cool summer breeze. She’d laugh, chat, and people-watch from her shady spot, perfectly content and still right in the center of the fun.
Mary lived a life full of love, laughter, music, and generosity. Everyone who met her loved her. She was truly one of a kind, and she will be missed more than words can say.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday June 12, 2025 at St. Christopher Church, 13301 Proctor Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19116, at 11:15 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
