Mary Jane "MJ" Amelio

Mary Jane “MJ” Amelio, age 66, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the 3 o’clock “Hour of Mercy”, a time of reflection of Christ’s Passion during Lent. Her passing occurred at Mohawk Valley Health Systems @ Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center with her family by her side, after a long struggle. Born in Utica on October 23, 1947, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Patsy Amelio and Lorraine Anzalone. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. At one time, she was married to Michael L. Plescia, a union that was blessed with two wonderful children. For more than nine years, MJ and her son owned and operated Club Nautico Boat Rentals in the Florida Keys, a business in the midst of a marina and a seafaring culture that she loved. Upon her return to Utica, she applied her natural sales skills in managing the family company, Power Performers, a task she not only loved, but also one in which she excelled. MJ was an empathetic person who did not judge people, but accepted them for who they were, faults not withstanding. She was a great mother and a gentle grandmother. An excellent homemaker, she had a flair for home décor and interior design that reflected her creativity and beautiful persona. A two-time cancer survivor, she volunteered her time at Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. a few years ago. She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church. During her lifetime, Mary Jane was loved by all, loved all, and will be missed by all. Mary Jane is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda L. and Robert H. Johnson, Jr. of New Hartford; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael A. and Christa M. Plescia of Whitesboro; and her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Grammy: Gabrielle, Alexander, and Garrett Johnson, Abbigail, Victoria, and Isabella Plescia, and Jayden Mueller. Always close to her heart was the memory of her grandson, Mitchell Avery Johnson, who preceded her in death on December 29, 2005 and with whom she is now reunited. Also left to mourn her passing are her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Lee Szymanski of NJ; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins including Renee Dale, Eric Dale; Frank and Maricella Amelio, Anthony and Michelle Amelio, and their families. She is also survived by her many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Amelio who passed before his time, and whom she dearly loved. The family extends appreciation to the doctors and staff of the 6th Floor Hospice & Palliative Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the fine medical attentiveness rendered to MJ as a dear family member. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary Jane’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Reverand Art Hapanowitz. .

Mary Jane "MJ" Amelio

October 23, 1947 - March 15, 2014