Mary Jane Mangino

Mary Jane Mangino passed on March 18, 2018, following a prolonged illness. 
Under the compassionate care of Hospice of St. Francis, she took her final earthly breath with loving family at her side.

Born Mary Jane Dillon December 5, 1928 in Scottown, Ohio, she
was one of (8) children born to William G. Dillon and Alta Pinkerman .

While living and working as a single parent in Lompoc, California, Mary finally met the real love of her life, Joseph Mangino. Their mutual admiration led to a marriage that is in it 50th year.

Mary had many joys. Included were her faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she led fellowship classes in poetry and worked with the Women’s Relief Society.

Her skill as a Master bridge player led her to start up bridge clubs in different parts of the U.S. Twenty years ago, she began the bridge club at Titusville’s North Brevard Senior Center, where she also volunteered as a board member. 

Mary coordinated interstate bridge competitions between the Louisiana and Florida clubs she founded. Not one to offer a plate half-full, she also highlighted her culinary skills by providing her famous Mary’s Lasagna for all the bridge players during tournaments. 

Mary’s green thumb was extraordinary. Declining cut flowers, she opted for expanding the outdoor rooms of her garden. The smallest of potted plants became transplants; the ‘Mary and Joseph’ 80-foot oaks in the front yard, and the ‘Cheryle’ pine, are evidence of her horticultural ability. 

Traveling with her husband was one of Mary’s great passions. Their adventures took them along the waterways of Europe, the islands of the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, sailing across the Equator and the Hawaiian Islands.

The greatest of all passions for Mary was her family, including the dogs. Her love of Joe will never be in doubt. Her love of all the kids in her life was shown in many Mom and Grandmom gestures. Rex will miss the dog treats and walks with Mary. 

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, plus her seven children: Steven Barber, David Barber, Diana Sue Young, Lin Goodnick, Lana Asano, Cheryle Mangino Diaz and Michael Mangino. Her brother Thomas E. Dillon of Fort Myers, FL, Patty Womack of McMindle, Tn also survives her. Twenty-three grandchildren, and thirty-one great-grandchildren are direct family offspring, while the more than 300 fostered children she helped raise are extended family.

Mary is pre-deceased by children John Alan Barber, Michelle Mangino and John Mangino.

Funeral services will be held at North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville on Monday, March 26th at 1:00p.m., with a reception there following the service. 

The burial is private.

Any donations can be made to Hospice of St. Francis in Titusville, 
or to your local S.P.C.A. in Mary’s name.
 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.