Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Pigott Ottavino

Mary Elizabeth Pigott Ottavino (1924-2016), resident of Forest Hills Gardens, New York and Point Lookout, Long Island, was a truly good woman. A devoted wife, mother of five, and grandmother of four, she was also a true humanitarian, always using her time and talents to try and make this world a better place for others. Mary Elizabeth received her Bachelors degree from the College of New Rochelle and a Masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling, on full scholarship, from Long Island University. She was also all but dissertation on her PhD at New York University. Her early professional efforts began in the Brooklyn College SEEK program, the Search for Excellence in Education and Knowledge, a program for night school students where students were taught not only academic skills but social and practical skills that would enable them to better integrate themselves into the work force. Later, Mary Elizabeth went on to become the first Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at New York University working with blind and wheelchair bound students to achieve more accessibility to campus programs and facilities, including the first college campus with curb cuts for wheelchair bound students and an accessible swimming pool. After retiring from these positions, to spend more time with her children, she went on to dedicate herself to serving on the Boards of two non-for- profit organizations: Forestdale , formerly known as the Brooklyn Home for Children. located in Forest Hills, Queens and Hellen Keller Services for the Blind headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y. Mary Elizabeth served as President of Forest Dale for many years and ultimately became the first woman chair of Hellen Keller Services for the Blind, in their Centennial year. Today, we remember her most for her kindness, generosity of spirit, and willingness to help those in need. She is both loved and missed by her family and the lovely ladies who cared for her in the last years of her life.