Mary M. Rae

Mary M. Rae, 98, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Born on June 14, 1926, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Charles F. and Elizabeth A. (Donnelly) McCarthy. She was a 1944 graduate from St. Bernard's High School.

On June 14, 1952, in St. Bernard Church, she married Daniel J. Rae, who preceded her in death on July 8, 1978.

From 1947 to 1950, Mary was employed at Zippo, and from 1950 to 1953 worked for Lee Minter at Keta Gas and Oil. She was then employed at the Blaisdell Foundation as a teacher’s aide. In 1968, she started as a supervisor at Futures. Then in 1972 she was promoted to the Executive Director of Futures until 1998. From 1998 to 2006, she was the Vice President of Development of the Endowment at Futures.

She was a member of St. Bernard Church, Catholic Women’s Club, and McKean County ARC.

Surviving are two daughters, Susan (George) Macfarlane, of Bradford, Kathleen (Jim) Nielson, of Claremont, NH, three sons William T. (Patricia) Rae, of Bradford, David M. (Jamie) Rae, of Syracuse NY, and Jack Rae, of Bradford, 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and her dear friend Nancy O'Donnell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Scott Rae, who died December 17, 2006, six brothers, Charles McCarthy, Kenneth McCarthy, John "Jake" McCarthy, William "Speed" McCarthy, Russell McCarthy and Thomas McCarthy.

Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm & 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St. in Bradford. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Friday, January 17, 2025, at St. Bernard Church, with Fr. Ed Walk, Associate Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Mary Rae Endowment Fund at Futures 1 Future's Way Bradford, PA, 16701, or to St. Bernard's Church Renovation Fund, 95 E Corydon Street, Bradford, PA, 16701.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

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Mary was so many incredible things to me—my mentor, surrogate mom, friend and spiritual advisor. She believed in me, unqualified for the position at Futures and hired me on a prayer. She encouraged my education when I thought I was overwhelmed as a single mom with 2 babies. But most of all she believed in me enough to change my ‘future.’ She even hosted a graduation party for my entire family. Above all she made sure I always had God in the drivers seat of my life. I feel like a piece of my heart has crumbled away. But it has grown wings now and I can reach out to her angel-self for help. She touches all of you still and I send my deepest sympathy for your loss and gratitude to each of you for sharing Mary with me for 48 years.
— Georgann Billetdeaux

I am sorry to see Mary has passed. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed. Prayers to all . Fondly Judy Keenan
— JUDY KEENAN

To all of the Rae family, our deepest condolences for all of you at the loss of your magnificent mother. May you find comfort in and peace in the thought that Mary beamed with pride every time one of you were mentioned. She loved you all so very much. Mary was not only a friend but a mentor for all of us. Especially young women whom she encouraged to be independent, intelligent, and community minded. Your mother will not only be missed by her family and friends but also by the Bradford community that she loved and supported so much. God bless all of you for loving and caring for your mother.
— Mimi and Mike

Our deepest and sincere sympathy to your family during this sad and difficult time with the loss of your beautiful mother. May your cherished memories help ease your pain and keep her within your hearts forever. May GOD bless all of you. Love, Marty & Kris Sapko
— Kris Sapko

Mary will be missed by all that crossed her path. We considered Mary a friend and family member. God Bless the Rae family
— Danny ODonnell

Prayers and thoughts to you all, I remember your mom as my cub scout den mother. Sincerely, Joe Fuoco
— Joseph M Fuoco

To the entire Rae Family, May God be with you at this time of grief. Mary was a wonderful woman . We have countless fond memories of her. A Blessing to all who crossed her path. God bless you all. Sincerely, David and Priscilla O’Donnell.
— David and Priscilla O’Donnell

Condolences

Mary was so many incredible things to me—my mentor, surrogate mom, friend and spiritual advisor. She believed in me, unqualified for the position at Futures and hired me on a prayer. She encouraged my education when I thought I was overwhelmed as a single mom with 2 babies. But most of all she believed in me enough to change my ‘future.’ She even hosted a graduation party for my entire family. Above all she made sure I always had God in the drivers seat of my life. I feel like a piece of my heart has crumbled away. But it has grown wings now and I can reach out to her angel-self for help. She touches all of you still and I send my deepest sympathy for your loss and gratitude to each of you for sharing Mary with me for 48 years.
— Georgann Billetdeaux
I am sorry to see Mary has passed. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed. Prayers to all . Fondly Judy Keenan
— JUDY KEENAN
To all of the Rae family, our deepest condolences for all of you at the loss of your magnificent mother. May you find comfort in and peace in the thought that Mary beamed with pride every time one of you were mentioned. She loved you all so very much. Mary was not only a friend but a mentor for all of us. Especially young women whom she encouraged to be independent, intelligent, and community minded. Your mother will not only be missed by her family and friends but also by the Bradford community that she loved and supported so much. God bless all of you for loving and caring for your mother.
— Mimi and Mike
Our deepest and sincere sympathy to your family during this sad and difficult time with the loss of your beautiful mother. May your cherished memories help ease your pain and keep her within your hearts forever. May GOD bless all of you. Love, Marty & Kris Sapko
— Kris Sapko
Mary will be missed by all that crossed her path. We considered Mary a friend and family member. God Bless the Rae family
— Danny ODonnell

Hollenbeck-Cahill

Mary M. Rae

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

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