Ann Mara, Rye Resident and New York Giants Co-Owner, Dies at 85

Ann Mara, wife of the late Wellington Mara and the matriarch of the New York Giants, has died at age 85, her family and the Giants announced Sunday.

Mara and her children own 50 percent of the Giants, and she had unofficially been considered “The First Lady of Football.”

Her son, Giants President and CEO John Mara said in a statement that the Rye resident passed away from complications following a fall at her home.

“She slipped in front of her home (in Rye, N.Y.) during the ice storm two weeks ago (January 18). She had been in the hospital since the following day, initially due to a head injury she suffered in her fall. After a few days, we were hopeful for her recovery, although we knew it would be a long road back. Unfortunately, there were complications,” said John Mara.

He added, “She loved her family, and all of us were able to spend time with her in these final days. All 11 of her children and our spouses and numerous grandchildren were with her when she passed away.”

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From the announcement of Ann Mara’s passing on Giants.com, written by Michael Eisen:

In addition to her intimate involvement with her family and the Giants, Ann Mara was also a devout Catholic and prominent philanthropist who donated money to numerous causes and organizations. She tirelessly supported efforts to help children reach their fullest potential by aiding educational organizations like Convent of the Sacred Heart, Inner City Scholarship Fund, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and Life Athletes. Mara was also there for children with cancer through her support of the Ronald McDonald House of New York. In November, she dedicated the opening of a new building for the San Miguel Academy for children at risk, which was built through the NFL Snowflake Foundation.

Last year, three days before MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII, Ann Mara received the Paul J. Tagliabue Award of Excellence, which is presented to a league or team executive who demonstrates the integrity and leadership Tagliabue exhibited in career development opportunities for minority candidates and advocacy for diversity on the league and club level when he was NFL commissioner.

Photo: Ann Mara. Photo credit: Giants.com

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