Mary was warm, compassionate, and endlessly welcoming. She had a gift for connecting with people almost instantly. A true social butterfly, Mary never met a stranger, she could strike up a conversation with anyone. She showed up for the people she loved without hesitation. Family was everything to Mary.
In her younger years, Mary devoted sixteen years of her life as a Catholic nun. Life took a turn and Mary followed a different path, calling her to the love of her life, the late Bill. Fittingly, Bill had once walked a similar path, having formerly been an ordained Catholic priest who felt called to pursue marriage and family which ultimately led him to Mary. After Bill’s passing, Mary faced the challenge of becoming a widow, courageously raising their children on her own. She dedicated over three decades to Gonzaga College High School, where she became much more than an educator. She was a mentor and a source of encouragement to countless students. Even after retiring from the classroom, she couldn’t imagine stepping away from teaching entirely, continuing as a tutor until she fully retired. Her love of learning never faded, and she was always ready to help, especially when her granddaughter needed guidance with a difficult math problem.
In her free time, Mary’s curious mind was always active. She found joy in solving math problems simply for fun, getting lost in a good book, and challenging herself with puzzles. Nothing, however, brought Mary greater joy than being “Nanny” to her beloved grandchildren, Liam and Finley.
Mary is predeceased by her husband Bill, and her siblings Jimmy (Mickey) Algeo, Dan (Bonnie) Algeo, and Tom (Pat) Freburger.
She is survived by her children Will Freburger and Sarah (Robert) Salaga, her grandchildren Finley and Liam, her siblings Sally (the late Bobby) Filliben, Michael (Susan) Algeo, and Eileen, and her in-law Barbara Salaga, along with many extended family members and cherished friends.
Come celebrate 84 great years on Tuesday, July 14th, at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Cinnaminson where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am. A luncheon will be held following the mass at the Riverton County Club. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Judes or to Samaritan Hospice.
