Mary E. Sturtevant

Mary Ellen Krattinger Lucas Sturtevant, the only child of August and Jane Krattinger, was born February 22, 1917, and became a half orphan when her father was killed in a boating accident on the Hudson River. She grew up on Amstersdam Avenue in New York City and always proudly claimed her NYC heritage. Mary was raised by her mother who never remarried, and "Grandma" Connolley, an aunt who did "French laundry" and took in boarders. After graduating from high school, Mary went to business school and became very adept at shorthand. At age 17, she met Christopher Patrick Lucas, a handsome and charming man who was 8 years her senior. Within a year they eloped, but kept the marriage a secret for 6 months. Finally Chris said, "You are my wife and you are coming home with me." When he told Mary's mother, "We are married," she said "Prove it." He then produced the marriage certificate, and took his bride to his home in Jersey City. Life was not easy for the new couple in 1935, but Chris had a good job - rare in the Depression-working for the New York Port Authority in the maintenance department. He told Mary that men did not allow their wives to work. After 4 years, their first child, Elaine Diane was born on September 3, 1939, the start of World War II in Europe. Within 2 years another daughter, Janet Patricia was born. Seven months later Pearl Harbor was bombed and America was at war. Every able bodied male was ready to sign up and defend his country - Chris included. The Army, however, was not taking married men with children. So Chris lied and said "No Wife, no Kids." Mary marched down to the Draft Board, and set the record straight. Chirs also had a job that was considered vital to national security at the Port Authority. Mary was relieved. Chris would not go off to war and get killed. Sadly and ironically, he would die on June 16, 1945, as the war was ending, having been killed in an accident. He left two children, and a 28 year old widow, Mary, who was the same age as her mother when she became a widow. There was no insurance, just a small monthly stipend for the children. Mary went to work as a secretary, finally using the skills she learned, and with the help of her mother, raised her daughters. They lived in a 4 room apartment in Jersey City. Mary worked six days a week and made enough to get by, and even send her mother and children to the beach for a week in the summer. After nine years as a widow, Mary remarried to Jerry Sturtevant, who had served on a submarine in the Phillippines during the war, and was a longshoremen, and bartender. The world opened up for Mary with her new husband. They went to the opera and Broadway Shows, and traveled throughout America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and even Russia. Each year brought an exciting travel adventure. Her daughters married, and Mary became a grandmother. Tragically once again Mary became a widow in 1987. She continued to travel with her daughter, but age and cancer slowed her down. Her greatest heartache came in 2007, when her cherished daughter Elaine died of breast cancer.Mary lived a long life. She handled what came her way. She instilled independence in her daughters. Above all, Mary loved her family. She loved travelling, and going out to dinner, and keeping her hair colored, so she wouldn't look old and LBI, and a glass of red wine. She was a good daughter, and a good mother, and a good grandmother. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law: Janet and Ralph DeFiore, grandchildren: Karyn, Susan and Tom Witzel and his wife, Lisa Travaglini), Lauren Stravach and her husband Ed. Jon Diaz; great grandchildren: Juliette Diaz, Michael, Gabrielle, Matthew, and Samantha Stravach, Christopher, Alissa, and Rachel Witzel, son-in-law Bruce Witzel, son-in-law: Joseph Cidoni, husband of deceased daughter Elaine; grandchildren: Stephen Magaldi, Diane Allen and her husband Ken, Vincent and John Cidoni. great grandchildren: Kenny, Stephanie, and Tiffany Allen, and great great grandchild: Zeke Allen. Private interment in Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements by Gray Funeral Home, Westfield. Memorial donations may be made to the Westfield Rescue Squad.