Mary Anderson

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mary Ellen Anderson, 76, a retired secretary who was an ardent supporter of animals and their well-being, died Monday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

She was born in Nyack, N.Y., and moved to Port Richmond with her family as a child.

Ms. Anderson attended Port Richmond High School and earned her GED certificate.

She worked for 25 years as a secretary at the former Beth Israel Medical Clinic in Stapleton.

Ms. Anderson loved animals and often cared for cats in need. She was a co-founder of Staten Island's P.L.U.T.O. Rescue.

A kind and generous woman, she had a smile that would light up a room, her family said. She also had a beautiful voice and would often be asked to sing.

She took pride in her home and loved to decorate. She enjoyed helping others, offering advice with decorating challenges.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed lounging around at home and watching television. She also was fond of the companionship of her pet dog, Sammy, and cats, Lucinda and Oscar.

Ms. Anderson is survived by her, son Thomas John Clohessy; her daughter, Elizabeth Lisa Rooney; her sister, Helen Hildreth, and two grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Arrangements include cremation.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Closing Prayers on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 4PM

Visitation: Memorial Visitation- Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Saturday, June 21, 2014 1-4PM

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contribution to the Nicholas Clohessy Foundation 532 Wilson Avenue S.I., N.Y. 103012, OR P.L.U.T.O Rescue PO Box 140889 S.I., N.Y. 10314, in Mary Ellen's name would be appreciated.

Cemetery: Cremation Will Be Private

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home