Mary (Skierska) Grant a.k.a Grande

Mrs. Mary (Skierska) Grant, also known as Mary Grande, age 96, of Utica, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 30, 2006. She passed away peacefully at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center. Born in Utica on May 15, 1909, Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas and Eva (Tokalska) Skierska. She was raised in Utica and attended local schools. On May 15, 1927 she married Rocco Grant, also known as Rocco Grande. The couple shared a loving and devoted union of almost 65 years prior to Rocco’s passing on April 6, 1992. At one time Mrs. Grant held a position with the General Electric Co. at the firm’s Kent St. location. Always a hard-working and conscientious employee, yet the true focus of her life was her family: each and every day revolved around her tending to the well-being and comfort of her loved ones and her support of their various interests and activities. She was a caring and nurturing woman, qualities she demonstrated in many ways, such as using her excellent cooking talents to please her family with wonderful dinners and favorite dishes, or sharing her home and the bounty of her table with loved ones and friends. She also loved preparing for and celebrating the holidays in both special and traditional ways for the delight and pleasure of all. Mary’s door was always open, and she had a way of making others feel welcome and accepted. Although she was always busy and involved with the needs of her family and the demands of her warm hospitality, she never displayed any signs of stress or impatience. Mary was very talented in various areas of endeavor, many of her abilities having been self-taught, such as her creative aptitude in the needlework arts, especially knitting and crocheting. She also loved to be outdoors, particularly working in her garden where she planted, tended, and enjoyed an annual harvest of flowers and vegetables. She loved fishing, and she was an avid and longtime fan of the NY Yankees. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mrs. Grant is survived by a daughter, Jeanne M. Arcuri of Utica; 5 grandchildren, Jo-Ann Padula, Susan Arcuri, both of Utica, Gina M. Arcuri of Trenton Falls NY, Lorrie Arcuri Markason and her husband, Robert, of Whitesboro, and Joseph J. Arcuri, Jr. of Utica; 8 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Her survivors also include a number of nephews and nieces, especially acknowledging Beverly Martino of Utica. She was predeceased by a beloved son-in-law, Joseph J. Arcuri, Sr.; 4 sisters, Helen Bertolini, Sophie Felitto, Jane Torchia, and Florence DeSarro; and a brother, Thomas Skierska. The family offers its sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Sitrin Nursing Home for the care and compassion with which they attended Mary. Thanks also to Dr. Kachare, and to the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, all of whom cared for her with dedication, expertise, and professionalism. In keeping with Mary’s wishes, all services, including her Mass of Christian Burial and interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Webster Ave., will be conducted privately and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mary (Skierska) Grant a.k.a Grande

May 15, 1909 - April 30, 2006