Mary Ellen Montross

Mary Ellen Montross, nee Clarke, of Tomkins Cove, NY passed away Saturday, May 17th 2025 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 70 years old.

She was born Mach 18, 1955 at St. Francis Hospital, Bronx, NY to the late Patrick J. and Deloris J. Clarke. She lived in Inwood before the family moved to Garnerville in 1956.

A graduate of St. Gregory Barbarigo grammar school and Albertus Magnus High school class of 1973, she continued her faith as a parishioner of Immaculate Conception where she taught religious education and served as a Eucharistic minister.

Thanks to her dear friend Lila, she met the love of her life, Rob Montross. They were married on May, 15, 1999, and shared 26 beautiful years together. What they lacked in quantity they more than made up for in quality. She was known for making the most creative and delicious cakes for everyone’s special occasions, her fabulous coffee cakes and her hand-stitched, custom quilts. No one will ever forget her big smile, she lit up the room!

Mary Ellen worked for more than 30 years for Verizon, where she made many lifelong friends. After retiring, she could be found at the corner of Cinder Rd. and Southpark Dr. as the school crossing guard.

In her spare time Mary Ellen enjoyed baking, quilting, time with her dogs and camping out doors with Rob and friends in their RV. She loving gave her time volunteering with Catholic Charities and hosting and preparing the monthly hospitality breakfasts at Immaculate Conception. She was also the most beautiful Mrs. Claus at the breakfasts with Santa held at Platzl Brau Haus and Krucker’s. Her family and friends will always cherish the fond memories of her hosting their annual Easter egg hunt and at Christmas time, cookie day with homemade gingerbread houses.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rob, her two brothers Pat and John and her two sisters Frances & Bob Barlow and Lori & Chris Soto. Her nephews and nieces, Matt & Kristina Barlow, Devlin & Rebecca Clarke, Patrick Clarke, Kelly Clarke, Joey Soto and Tricia Soto, and her 5 great-nieces and nephew.

Also survived by her in-laws; Brenda Montross, Richie and Sandy Montross, nieces and nephews; Susan & Jim, Jessica & Ray Chambers, Richie & Victoria Montross, Kyle & Keri Montross, AllieJean Montross and her numerous great nieces and nephews and far too many friends to mention.

She was predeceased by her parents, her infant brother Michael (1962) and her sister in-law Lynda Clarke (2024).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 4-8PM at T. J. McGowan Funeral Home, Central Highway, Garnerville, NY. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10AM at Immaculate Conception Church, John St. Stony Point NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 211 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 3200 El Segundo, CA 90245 or the ASPCA P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.