NAUGATUCK - With dignity and grace, as she lived her life, Mrs. James (Mary) Citati, 98 years young, beloved mother of Terri Rung, bid farewell to all whom she loved so dearly on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. The widow of James Citati, who died in 1979, Mary, upon the death of her husband, continued to fulfill the legacy of love for family, friends, and God which they shared throughout their 42 years of marriage. Mary had a wonderful life filled with much happiness, good health and a loving family. She was born in Bristol, R.I., the third eldest sibling in a family of 11 children. Having experienced the hardships of the 1929 depression, Mary and her husband were blessed with good fortune and thankful for a life which permitted them to travel, winter in Florida, and have the pleasure for many years of happy times with their daughter and grandchildren who were Mary's greatest joy in life. She was devoted to her family and gave them her unconditional love. When not doting on her family, Mary enjoyed an active lifestyle serving as a volunteer for the Naugatuck Red Cross and the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library and many other social activities with her dear friends. Mary slowed down a bit at 95 when she decided to retire from driving, but she was always ready to go out when invited. She and her Weid Drive lady friends spent many happy hours together. Mary considered herself blessed to have had such a long and happy life. In addition to her daughter, Terri Rung, Mary is survived by her son-in-law, Robert Rung Sr.; her grandson, Robert Rung Jr. and his wife, Wendy, her grandson, Christopher Rung and his wife, Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Catherine Rung, Robert Rung III and Meryl Rung. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Manciero, and sister-in-law, Gloria Pettorini, as well as many nieces and nephews and many dear friends. A longtime parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Naugatuck, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church for her at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Prior to the Mass, Mary's family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery following the church service.