Mary Alice (Newman) Pidel, born November 21, 1943, passed away on October 31, 2025 at 81 years old. A wife, sister, mother of six, grandmother of sixteen, and staple in the lives of hundreds.

Mary Alice (Mom, Grandma) was much more than these things—she was the heart of her entire extended family and the broader community. Known for her love, kindness, and open arms, she was the person everyone turned to for a listening ear, a comforting hug, or a safe place to stay. Whether you needed guidance, a sense of belonging, or simply someone to love you without judgment, she was there.

Her life was shaped by caring for others—she was a maternity nurse at Foundling Hospital in NYC, a trusted real estate broker, and an active member of her community, serving on the board of education and the athletic association. She loved pottery, making meaningful gifts, and of which imprinted with her touch—small tokens of her love for all. Her last message was clear and simple: "love is the most important thing," and she lived by those words every day.

In memory of Mary Alice Pidel, the Pidel family is launching this fundraiser to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that champions the fight against childhood cancer and life-threatening diseases. With our first Christmas without her coming up, we want to give children the unyielding love and care this woman gave us throughout our lives.

By supporting St. Jude, we can honor Mary Alice's legacy and help countless families facing unimaginable challenges.

Your contributions will directly support St. Jude's vital work in the following ways:

All donations are extremely appreciated! Pitch in a little or a lot. If you're unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as helpful. Thank you very much for your generosity, and always love those around you. ♡