Mary (nee Burke) Kosieracki, 87, of Cape Coral, Fla., passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at home.

She was born in Jersey City, N.J., March 27, 1925, to Mary and Clement Burke.

Mary, mother of 11 children, exemplified those special traits of an extraordinary loving woman. She had boundless energy and stamina, and never stopped educating herself about the world around her. As a mother, she had high standards, and instilled a love of country and a strong work ethic in her children. She was a great cook, gardener and loved sailing and politics (Fox and Friends). Mary was an excellent student and received her Bachelor’s degree in 1947 and Master’s degree in 1967 from Marywood College in Scranton, Pa. She taught and counseled underprivileged children in Oliphant, Pa., and worked for the Department of Education as an evaluator in Harrisburg, Pa. After retiring to Florida, she worked as a real estate agent. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her children, Pat (Karen) Lydon, Mary Grace (Geoffrey) Lorah, Cecelia (Chris) Tyesky, Joseph (Andrea) Lydon, Anne (Bruno) Sandoval, John (Judie) Lydon, Rita (Paul) Cenni, Greg (Stacey) Lydon, Elizabeth Clerou and Burke (Kate) Lydon; and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry; her former husband, Patrick Lydon; daughter, Helen Fox; sister, Helen Knowles; and her parents.

There will be a remembrance celebration of Mary’s life Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Cape Coral. Family members will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m. in the church vestibule. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, Fla.