Marie Genovese Gross, a resident of Manhasset for 47 years, died at her home in Munsey Park on Saturday, Oct.16, 2004. Her husband of 51 years, Donald Gross, and her four children, Donald Jr., Robert, Cathleen and Maria were with her when she died.

Marie was a well-known figure in Manhasset. A member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church family, she was active in many of the church activities. She was a Minister of Holy Eucharist, co-chair of the parish Renew program, a leader in the youth "Antioch program" and, with her husband, she was involved in the 'Pre-Cana" program, which involved marriage preparation for engaged couples. She also taught in the parish CCD program for elementary school children. For several years, she was involved as part of a Marriage Encounter Team couple with her husband, leading weekend retreats for married couples.

Marie was a loving, faith-filled person whose genuine care and warm embrace touched the life of anyone fortunate enough to meet her. She will always be remembered for her hearty laugh and the wonderful hugs that she gave. In introducing her to a large audience to whom she was to speak, it was said of her "although all the audience may not know her personally, surely everyone in the room has been hugged by her."

In addition to her four children, Marie was a loving grandmother of 13 and mother-in-law to Arlene Gross, Mary Gross, Anthony Trombino and Brian Liedlich. She was the beloved sister of Leonard (Geraldine) and the late Joseph Genovese (Frances Wangberg). Marie was also deeply loved by many nieces and nephews.

Services were held at the Fairchild Funeral Home in Manhasset on Oct. 18 and 19. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary's Church, Manhasset, on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends that donations be made in Marie's memory to the Society of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) Woodholme Medical Building, Suite 15, 1838 Greene Tree Road, Baltimore, MD 21208.

Virginia McManus of Garden City, Breezy Point, NY and formally of Manhasset, passed away on October 13, 2004. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. and loving mother of John J. Jr., Kathryn Carey, Mary Beth Zeppie and Gina McDade, and the cherished grandmother of 11. The funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Garden City.