Mary McVicker, 87, a resident of Fishkill since 1965, died at her daughter's home in Nelsonville on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
Born in Belfast, Ireland on September 6, 1922, she was the daughter of the late William and Bridget McAlister Connolly.  On June 30, 1945, she married Frederick McVicker at St. Patrick's Church in Belfast.
Mary had many careers ranging from a very talented seamstress to the cinema industry in Ireland, as well as in the medical field as a nurse's aide to a bakery in the Fishkill/Beacon area. Mary gave much of her time and skill to those in need and volunteered in the homeless shelter in Poughkeepsie, as well as the St. Francis Thrift Shop in Fishkill.
A parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill since 1965, Mary also belonged to the Columbiettes of St. Mary's Council #4065, Knights of Columbus. She was the first coordinator of Project Children in Dutchess County. In Northern Ireland, she was awarded Irish-American of the Year for the work that she did to benefit the children of Northern Ireland.  A member of the Kevin Barry Irish Club, she was honored to be Grand Marshall of the Dutchess County St. Patrick's Day Parade, along with her husband.
She was deeply devoted to Irish traditions as an artist, singer, musician and Camogie player.  Mary was an Irish traditional dancer for the Jim Johnson School in Belfast and instilled her love for Irish dancing in her children.  She and her husband also enjoyed ballroom dancing.

She was a firm supporter of the Pro-Life movement and the cause for a United Ireland.
In addition to her husband Frederick, Mary is also survived by her children, Helen Sarma (Nara) of Verbank, Patricia Petty (Jay) of Cape Canaveral, FL, Maire Villetto (William) of Nelsonville, Gerard McVicker (Sheila) of Stormville, Frederick McVicker (Anne Marie) of Beacon, and Joseph McVicker (Susan) of Newport, NC; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; her sister Patricia Kerr (Patrick) of Beacon, along with their five children; and her brother-in-law Michael McVicker of Belfast, Ireland.
Mary was predeceased by her grandson, William Villetto, her brother and sister-in-law Joseph & Helen Connolly, brothers, Gerard & John Connolly, as well as her sister Patricia Connolly.
Calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 100 Jackson St., Fishkill, followed by interment at St. Joachim's Cemetery in Beacon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Columbiettes, St. Mary's Council #4065, Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 165, Fishkill, NY 12524.