Obituary of Mary Frances Shakespeare

Mary Frances Shakespeare, 97, of Freehold Township died February 21, 2016 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Mrs. Shakespeare was born in Staten Island and was raised in the Sunnyside section of Staten Island. She resided in the St. George and Huguenot sections before moving to Freehold 50 years ago. Mrs. Shakespeare was a graduate of Curtis High School, Class of 1934, and Hunter College in 1938 where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1968 she earned a Master of Education degree from Wagner College. She was a teacher and educator in the New York City Public Schools. She was an avid gardener and member of the Huguenot Garden Club, Staten Island. Mrs. Shakespeare enjoyed theater and was a season ticket holder at the McCarter Theater, Princeton and Two River Theater, Red Bank. She also attended productions of the South Street Players, Freehold. Mrs. Shakespeare enjoyed vacationing at the family home in Lavallette. Mrs. Shakespeare inspired children to read by taking students on special trips to the library. She was a member and docent at the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum, Freehold. Mrs. Shakespeare was the daughter of William H. Madory and Margaret Bonner Madory and was adopted by her step father, Joseph Pecoraro, later in life. She was predeceased by her husband, Lt. Harry Shakespeare, F.D.N.Y. and a sister, Eugenia Vroom, Staten Island. Her brother-in-law, the late Bill Shakespeare, was an All American football player at the University of Notre Dame. Surviving are two sons, Edward and Dave Shakespeare; three grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Shakespeare Brown and her husband Kevin, Laura Jeanne Shakespeare, and Craig Russell Shakespeare; and a great granddaughter, Adelyn Grace Brown. Visiting will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Friday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services with Rev. Scott D. Brown officiating will be held during the visiting hours. Memorial donations to the Freehold Public Library, 28 ½ East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 would be appreciated.