HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Mary Rose "Dower" Santucci, 97, died on October 4, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. An area resident for over 12 years, she previously lived in the Bronx.

Born in the Bronx on March 9, 1924, Mary was the daughter of the late Enrico and Saveria "Sadie" Santucci. Mary was employed as a seamstress in the Anne Klein division of Depeche Fashions in Manhattan until her retirement in 2007.

Dower loved animals and was especially devoted to her pup Biscuit. She was an avid NY Yankees fan and watched almost all games. Her family will remember her as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and also the one person who made the best "meatballs" in town!

She is survived by her daughter, Elena Reitberger and her husband Eric of Hopewell Junction; her grandchildren, John Querrazzi and his wife Bonnie; Lisa Querrazzi and her wife Jane DiDonato-Querrazzi; Paul Reitberger and his wife Gabriella, Rick Reitberger, and Karl Reitberger; her great-grandchildren, Ashton Michael Querrazzi and Katharina Reitberger; her brother, Fred Santucci and his wife Matilda; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, Frank Santucci and his wife Louise; and her beloved dog, Biscuit.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at the funeral home at 10 am followed by entombment at the Shrine of Memories Mausoleum at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rachel's Gate, which is a hospice home for elderly and disabled dogs (www.rachelsgate.com). Please visit Mary's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.