Mary Mason Magnus passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, in Rye, New York. Born in Hancock, Michigan, on December 13, 1933, she was the daughter of Helen Roche Mason and spent her childhood in nearby Houghton.
Mary remained extremely proud of her Michigan roots throughout her life and returned often to visit friends there. She was a proud Yooper. The culture of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula values hard work and self-sufficiency—two qualities Mary had in plentiful supply throughout her life. She also loved a good Upper Peninsula pasty and eventually got her husband, Bob, hooked on them too.
In the early 1950s, Mary and her mother relocated from Houghton to Long Island, in part so Mary could receive better medical care after contracting polio. They settled near Mary’s beloved Uncle Jack and Aunt Maud Roche, and Mary graduated from Hicksville High School. After graduation, Mary and her mother moved to New York City, where both began professional careers. Mary loved her single days in Manhattan and formed close friendships that would last a lifetime.
On November 28, 1964, Mary married the love of her life and best friend, Robert Burke Magnus, Jr., a Brooklyn native known to everyone as Bob. Mary and Bob began married life in Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan, where they formed wonderful friendships that remained an important part of their lives for decades. They later moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, where they raised their three children and became active members of a community they loved dearly. Mary and Bob were blessed to enjoy 60 years of marriage.
During her years in Ridgewood, Mary was an active volunteer in the community, including with the Junior League of Bergen County, Family Counseling Services of Ridgewood, Several Sources, Ridge School, where her children attended elementary school, and the Church of the Nativity. She loved spending time at The Ridgewood Country Club, where she enjoyed and excelled at tennis, paddle tennis, and bowling. Mary and Bob later moved to Wyckoff, New Jersey, before retiring to Brunswick, Maine, where they loved the energy of a college town and enjoyed the many cultural and sporting events at Bowdoin College. In 2015, they moved to The Osborn in Rye, New York, where they quickly embraced their new community, made great friends, and participated in its many activities.
As her children grew older, Mary embarked on an entirely new chapter. In April 1986, she began a career in real estate with Tarvin Realtors in Ridgewood, where she worked for 21 years. Mary became one of the firm’s most successful agents and was its top Salesperson for an extraordinary 17 consecutive years. Over the course of her career, Mary’s success earned her an exceptional reputation in Ridgewood real estate.
Mary’s favorite roles were those of mother to her three children and “Grands” to her five beloved grandchildren. She was enormously proud of them and loved staying informed about everyone’s activities and pursuits. Mary kept a folder for each grandchild, meticulously saving notes, clippings, photographs, and other mementos. When Mary loved you, you knew it.
Through Bob’s great love of sports, Mary became a devoted fan of New York teams, including the Giants, Rangers, Yankees, and Knicks. Countless Sundays were spent cheering on their beloved Giants, and Mary and Bob hosted memorable game-day gatherings and spirited tailgate parties, often accompanied by a pitcher or two of Bob’s famous whiskey sours.
Mary and Bob also loved entertaining at home. Their legendary New Year’s Day Open House gathering became a beloved tradition, featuring Bob’s famous milk punch and Mary’s steak tartare.
Mary also loved the theater, particularly Broadway musicals, which she enjoyed with Bob and her family. She and Bob especially enjoyed evenings at the Café Carlyle, listening to Bucky and John Pizzarelli.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob, in 2024, and by her mother, Helen. She is survived by her three children: Elisabeth M. Mitchell (Barry) of Rye, New York; R. Burke Magnus, III (Colleen) of Burlington, Connecticut; and Lucy M. Magnus of Stamford, Connecticut. She is also survived by her five cherished grandchildren: Barry P. Mitchell, III; R. Burke Magnus, IV; Margaret M. Mitchell; Quinn H. Magnus; and John M. Mitchell.
Mary adored her family and friends. She maintained close relationships with her many first cousins throughout her life and was known for faithfully remembering birthdays and anniversaries and sending cards to those she loved.
Mary met life with strength, deep Catholic faith, and a strong sense of purpose, guided by deeply held values and convictions. Beneath that strength was an incredibly sensitive and loving heart. She was enormously proud of the family she and Bob created, and they will carry her strength, stories, traditions, and love with them always.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Osborn Foundation and directed to its Academic Achievement Program.
