Elizabeth "Liza" Maio

Elizabeth “Liza” Maio, age 93, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016 at The Pines at Utica. Elizabeth was born in Dunkirk, NY on November 27, 1922, a daughter of the late John N., Sr. and Mary (Rodrigues) Maio who immigrated from Madeira, Portugal. Liza was the oldest of her siblings, Anthony, John, and Mary. The family moved to the Utica area where Liza resided until 1990. Liza enjoyed an active and fun-loving life traveling and visiting her brother Tony and his family in Riverside, California. The high point of her adventures was a world tour of Alaska, Japan, and Europe which included a visit to her family’s home region of Madeira in Portugal. Liza later relocated to Old Forge to be near her sister, Mary. As a resident of this historic hamlet at the gateway of the Adirondacks, she felt at home amid the blue lakes and blue skies. She became active in the community with countless hours devoted to the View Arts Center, her home parish, St. Bartholomew’s Church, and many other volunteer venues. She remained active in her community to the age of 92. She treasured the friendship of fellow residents at the Lake Shore Community Home. Liza was blessed with an amazing talent at fine craft work creating dresses and decorating ceramic art work. The quality of her art was unmatched and her nieces and nephews have been the happy recipients of many of these pieces which still decorate their homes and gardens. Liza was always active and loved the outdoors. She enjoyed sports such as dancing, skiing, bicycling, and she even ice skated and roller bladed into her eighties! Liza was close to each of her sibling’s families and was present at every life event of her many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Gerry and Sybel Maio, Steven and Tammy Maio; John J. III and Vickie Maio, Martin L. and Theresa Maio, Richard M. and Tammy Maio, Lorraine “Lori” and Mike McGill, Michele Morawiec; Mark and Pat Diamond, Stephanie Diamond, John and Maryanne Diamond, and Kathy Diamond-Cassevah; her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins of the Frates and Joquin families, and sister-in-law, Mary A. Maio of Utica. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, John Maio, Jr., and Anthony and Millie Maio of CA; and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Ed Diamond. In keeping with Elizabeth’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Liza’s Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 at St. Bartholomew’s Church, in Old Forge, NY offered by Rev. Howard Venette. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Elizabeth "Liza" Maio

November 27, 1922 - September 5, 2016