Obituary of Mary Prenting

Mary Nell Prenting, 43, of Poughkeepsie, beloved wife of Joseph J. Palumbo, passed away at home on Monday, November 9, 2009, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Chicago on March 23, 1966, she was the daughter of Theodore and Bernardine (Schlimm) Prenting. Mary Nell was a longtime resident of Poughkeepsie and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Poughkeepsie; received her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Political Science from Muehlenberg College, Allentown, PA; and an MBA, with concentration in Finance from Marist College, Poughkeepsie. She started her business career at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank, and then held various positions at Fleet Bank, Mahopac National Bank, and Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union. Following receipt of her broker's license, she was employed by Prudential Serls and A.G. Edwards. Prior to her illness, she had been employed part-time by Thomas Martinelli in a marketing and promotions capacity. Mary Nell was active in a number of organizations and served on the Board of Trustees of Rehabilitation Programs, Inc. (Abilities First), and with her daughter, Grace, volunteered at the Catherine Street Community Center in their after school program. She was also a docent conducting educational tours for school children at Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie. She was an active member of St. Martin de Porres Church, Poughkeepsie, and taught in their CCD program. Mary Nell married Joseph J. Palumbo on April 29, 1995 at St. john the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Poughkeepsie. She is survived by her husband and three daughter, Grace, Charlotte, and Lucy at home. She is also survived by her parents and a brother, Peter J. Prenting, all of Poughkeepsie; parents-inlaw, John R. and Gloria (Picco) Palumbo of Wappingers Falls; brother and sister-in-law, David and Bernadette Palumbo, West Park, NY; and a nephew and niece, Daniel and Lilyann Palumbo. In addition, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins survive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St.Martin de Porres Church, Poughkeepsie, at 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 12. Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie. Calling hours are at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, on Wednesday, November 11 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Prenting Family Fund for Poughkeepsie of the Commuity Foundation of Dutchess County, 80 Washington Street, Suite 201, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, or to a charity of your choice. The Prenting Family Fund is an endowment that equally benefits Abilities First (Rehabilitation Programs, Inc.), The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Marist College, St. Francis Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center.