Mary R. DiStefano, 93, of Leonardtown, MD died peacefully September 30, 2007 in Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC with her family at her bedside.

Born January 14, 1914 in New York, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Corso.

Mary lived a long and fulfilling life. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She grew up on land that is now Kennedy International Airport. She married her husband, Anthony DiStefano in 1936. Among her many accomplishments, she was a past-President of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary in Brooklyn, NY. She became widowed in 1955 and then raised her only child, Clarice, single-handedly, working many years as a seamstress in a coat factory in Brooklyn. After living in the New York metropolitan area all her life, Mary moved to Cedar Lane Apartments in Leonardtown where she spent the last 10 years. She was very active in the social life there, serving as one of the hostesses for the monthly birthday and donuts celebrations. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Mary was an avid reader; completing several books a week up to the week she died. She also enjoyed crocheting for family and friends and was famous for her afghans and "loopy dolls." Although her immediate family consisted of a single child and three grandchildren, many came to know Mary as "Mom" or "Grandma" in that she fulfilled that role as a surrogate for so many others.

In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Clarice and Bill Leonard of Avenue, MD, she is survived by her grandchildren, Michael Leonard of Washington, DC, and Jessica Leonard of Ithaca, New York.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her eldest grandchild, John Leonard, who died in April of this year.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 3, 2007 from 5-8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, MD. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD. Father Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will be Friday, October 5, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John William Leonard Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank of America, 28250 Three Notch RD, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, MD.