Fordham paid tribute to Ann Mara, matriarch of the New York Giants football franchise and a longtime supporter of the university, who passed away on Sunday. She was 85.
Mara was married to Giants owner, Wellington Mara, FCRH ’37 — and was awarded an honorary degree from Fordham in 2008.
She also received the Walsh Award in 2012, which is given each year to an individual who best exemplifies support for Fordham football.
“Mara’s connection to Fordham football dates back to the 1930s, when her future husband, Wellington, a classmate of Vince Lombardi, would bring her to university sporting events,” according to a school statement.
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, remembered Mara as “a woman of many talents, and a great soul.”
“She was indeed the first lady of Fordham football, but she was so much more than that: a keen businesswoman; a devout Catholic; a loving mother; a generous philanthropist; and a warm colleague,” he said in a statement.
John, Mara’s son, serves as the Giants’ president and CEO and graduated from Fordham Law in 1979.
Mara died on Super Bowl Sunday after succumbing to complications sustained during a fall last month.
Connor Ryan
John Bonazzo
Fordham Daily 
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