Mary Catherine Ardise (née Cobell), a devoted educator, beloved matriarch, cherished friend and wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on October 10, 1948, Mary lived a life filled with purposeful service, deep familial love, and lasting connections.

Mary was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, where she grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. Her passion for learning and helping others guided her lifelong career in education. After graduating from St. Mary's High School, she attended William Paterson University, earning both her bachelor's degree in teaching and her master's degree in special education. Her teaching career began at Martin J Ryerson Middle School and her dedication to her students culminated at Nassau Community College, where she touched countless lives and ultimately earned the distinguished title of Professor in the Basic Educational Program (BEP).

On June 20, 1970, Mary married the love of her life, Anthony J. Ardise. Together, they shared a beautiful, enduring marriage of 56 years. They raised their family in Huntington, New York, creating a warm home filled with love, laughter, and strong values. Upon retirement, Mary and Tony returned to their home state, retiring to Chadwick Beach, New Jersey, where she spent her later years enjoying the peaceful beach lifestyle she loved so much.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was defined by her generous spirit. She spent much of her free time giving back to her community through volunteer work at local food pantries. She found her greatest happiness by the ocean, sharing chocolate and ice cream with those she loved, and hosting family gatherings that created cherished memories for generations. Above all, her family was her heart and her world.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Anthony Cobell and Mrs. Agnes (Benell) Cobell.

Mary's legacy of love lives on through her devoted husband, Tony; her grateful children, Josh (Patricia Lawlor Ardise) and Adam (Kimberly Schelpf Ardise); and her six treasured grandchildren, Andrew, Colin, Keira, AJ, Fischer, and Stryker. She is also survived by her siblings, Jacqueline Maher, Elizabeth Toomey, Steve Cobell, David Cobell, Thomas Cobell, and Joseph Cobell, as well as her lifelong friends, Louise Pirone, Glenn Thulin, Marilyn Steneken and the Detor family, all of whom will miss her deeply.

Mary will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her commitment to education, her generosity toward others, and the warmth, kindness, and grace she brought to every life she touched. Her legacy will continue through the countless students she inspired, the family she cherished, and the enduring love she shared with all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Mary's memory to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, the Alzheimer's Association , or the Dementia Society of America. Donations may be made through each organization's website. The family is grateful for the love and support received during this time.