Mary Rudbeck

Mary Rudbeck, a passionate gardener, avid traveler and devoted family member, passed away on Monday, December 23 at the age of 81. Mary was always full of energy, a planner and with a deep commitment to family and friends. She loved history, plants, playing bridge with her friends and having guests for dinner.

Mary was born in Brooklyn, NY to Luigi Nicolini and Elenor Zak. She graduated from Cape May Regional High School (NJ) in 1961and Douglass College (now part of Rutgers University) in 1965. After graduation she moved to Washington, DC where she joined the staff of a magazine published by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It was there that she met Jim Rudbeck, her husband of 55 years.  

Together, Mary and Jim, embarked on a life of international travel, living in various countries due to Jim’s role as a U.S. agricultural attaché. They served initially at the US embassies in Buenos Aires, Argentina; San Jose, Costa Rica; Montevideo, Uruguay; and finally, back to Buenos Aires. With two children by then, they returned to the States. Subsequent postings included Rome, Italy and London, England before Jim retired.

In between, Mary worked in public relations at the General Services Administration in Washington, DC.  After retirement, they moved to the Pamlico River community of Cypress Landing in North Carolina before moving to Fearrington Village near Chapel Hill. 

Mary loved gardening and worked at it.  As far back as 1969 she had an article published in the Washington Post on balcony gardening. She completed a course on woody plants at George Washington University, and was a North Carolina Extension Service certified Master Gardener. She was a regular volunteer at the Tryon Place Gardens in New Bern. In Fearrington Village, her volunteer work included maintaining the community’s central park. Passing walkers frequently commented on both her front and back yard gardens. Her home is full of plants.  

Mary and Jim’s love for traveling led them on nearly 30 trips to Europe and South America.  On many, she devised the day-by-day itinerary and Jim did the driving. Mary relished the Italian and French small towns and big churches that had lots of history.  Even In 2024, Mary traveled to Europe twice, including attending a family wedding in Italy with a week in Nice, France in May and visiting southern Italy in October.   

She loved to stay in touch with her Italian roots, frequently visiting for celebrations of family milestones, and hosted her Italian cousin Carla at home in the States for 6 months. She could get by in Italian, French and Spanish.

Mary is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jacqui (Jim) of Bon Aqua, Tennessee, son James (Stephany) of Aldie, Virginia, a sister Louise (Bob) of Ketchikan, Alaska and cousin Carlo Nicolini (Alalegisa) of Cavi di Lavagna, Italy. Jacqui’s family includes her son Austin, daughter-in-law Allison and great-granddaughter Marceline, for whom Mary lovingly crafted a quilt for when she was born three years ago. James’ family includes sons Cameron and Carter, who fondly remember holidays with and completing jigsaw puzzles with their grandmother. Sister Louise, who she was in regular contact with, has one son Michael. Carlo’s family includes daughters Carla (Fabio) and Lucia (Mauro); Mary attended the weddings of both daughters. Mary’s warmth, dedication and zest for life will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Rudbeck family.