Rev. Mary A. Cotter Naughton

THE REVEREND MARY A. NAUGHTON

The Rev. Mary Ann Cotter Naughton, 82, of New Rochelle, NY passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, in her home. Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 31, 1943, to Henry and Nora Cotter, she grew up in Little Flower Parish in Flatbush, attending The Little Flower School and St. Brendan’s Diocesan High School. A strong advocate for education and lifelong learning, Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Teaching, Master of Arts in English Language and Literature/Letters and a Master of Arts in Religion/Religious Studies all from her beloved Fordham University.

Mary spent the first 18 years of her career teaching English at Erasmus High School and James Madison High School, where she served as Chair of the English Department. Upon completion of her second master’s degree, she transitioned into working for the Catholic Church. As a Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at Resurrection Ascension Parish in Queens, Director of Campus Ministry at The College of New Rochelle, and Pastoral Associate at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Manhattan she spent her life in service to others and in staunch support of social justice issues. This was witnessed in her work leading social outreach programs to feed and clothe the poor in New York City, West Virginia, and Ohio, and her volunteer activities at a Providence House in New Rochelle which provided housing for poor women and children.

Mary and her husband Billy moved to Boynton Beach, Florida upon retirement. A woman of deep faith, it was there that she found and was welcomed into St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. On December 10, 2015, at the age of 72, Mary was ordained an Episcopal Priest.

Being a grandmother, of course, was among her greatest blessings. She adored her grandchildren, Lilly and Liam, pouring her heart into every moment she shared with them. Her love and example will carry forward with them throughout their lives. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Billy, and her brother, Billy Cotter. She is survived by her children, Nora and John, daughter-in-law, Amanda, grandchildren, Lilly and Liam, and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Eileen Cotter.

A Celebration of Rev. Mary's Life will be held Tuesday, Februay 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 3300 South Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution in her name to Alzheimer’s Research.