Mrs. Mary (Egitto) Artessa

E. UTICA - Mrs. Mary (Egitto) Artessa’s journey ended serenely on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the remarkable age of 101. At the time of her passing, her devoted sons were by her side and she was also being prayed for by her entire family. Mary was born in Utica on July 8, 1922, to the late Frank and Theresa F. (Sacco) Egitto. Mary was fortunate to have been educated and was a proud member of the first graduating class of 1940 at T.R. Proctor High School. On October 12, 1946, she married Joseph M. Artessa, Sr. They were a loving couple blessed with two sons, ensuring their security and needs were always met first. Their love story spanned nearly 70 beautiful years until Joseph's passing on July 8, 2016. Mary worked at Griffiss Air Force Base as a meticulous and devoted secretary, showcasing an outstanding work ethic and rarely missing a day. Her retirement in 1979 did not slow her down. Instead, she devoted herself to creating a loving and pristine home environment. Whatever Mary did, she did with pride. She was always well attired, in a skirt, and was proud of her appearance. As a mom, she was gracious with her advice, never disrupting the flow of things. Her life was spent loving and caring for her entire family. The homestead was a 2-family residence, and everyone had meals together. There were rules to be followed and Grandma Egitto was in charge… when Mary was at work. In retrospect, you could never have known a better life or understand the reality of family, it had its own meaning back then. A gentle soul, she was blessed to know the love of her sons and the following generations. Everyone admired and respected her. She kept an immaculate home and was passionate about keeping things shining! The outdoor chores were handled as a team, Mary planted the flowers and Joe tended to seasonal responsibilities. To this very day, their home is admired by all in their neighborhood. Another place to gather was the family camp at White Lake. The integrity of this household was upkept just as well as their home in Utica. If you have ever been fortunate enough to have had this kind of lifestyle, you know how precious and memorable those years at the lake were. Winter time was spent in Georgia with her son David and his family where she got to enjoy a life she never knew, but certainly came to enjoy… relaxing, doing things the southern way. She loved to spend time with her southern grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her son Joey had her the rest of the months, always keeping a watchful eye on his mom’s well-being. Creating ceramics was a great pastime for Mary and she bestowed many gifts to her family. She also particularly enjoyed her Hummel figurine collection. Mary was prized with two siblings, but she was graced to share 96 years with her sister and best friend, Florence. They checked in on each other every day and were one heart. They were very protective of one another and Florence’s nephews thank her for doing only what a sister can do! Holidays were of great importance, especially Christmas which found the tables extended and full of family and all the fishes. When grandma fried meatballs on Sunday, they ate them just as fast as she could fry them. They were proud to be Italian and observe the traditions and honor the heritage. Mary’s sons will do their best to carry on the precious memories she has left them. It is rare to see the likes of women like Mary and how she chose to live her life with such simplicity and humble heart. A devout Catholic, St. Anthony of Padua Church was a sacred place for her and her family. They supported the church and she always knew the clergy members. Back in the day, she attended all the Novenas, the Sts. Cosmas and Damian feast, and celebrated all Holy Days with much devotion. She also never missed sending in her envelope. You could always count on Mary’s sincere prayer in your time of need. Currently, she was a member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Mary is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph M., Jr. and Carm Artessa, and David and Martha Artessa; grandchildren, Joseph M., III and Sarah Artessa, Mark and Megan Artessa, Gina and William Bienkowski; twin granddaughters, Christy and Kenneth Roberts, and Misty and Craig Garvin, and Rev. David B. and Johna Artessa. Her legacy further extends to her 17 great-grandchildren, Jacob Artessa; Evan, twins Nicholas and Reese, and Alex Artessa; Christopher, and Shawn Bienkowski; Katie, Maggie, Tripp, Elizabeth, Becka, and Jack Roberts; Candler, and Landon Garvin; and Ella, and Luca Artessa. She also leaves her cherished sister, Florence Rose (the late Michael P. Rose), and held many favorable memories of her brother, Fred A. Egitto, who preceded her on October 26, 1999. Mary will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; her sisters-in-law, Betty Angerosa (the late Anthony Angerosa), and Patricia Artessa (late Morris N. Artessa). She was predeceased by her in-laws, Angeline King, Rose and Charles Duggleby, Katherine and Ray Poynter, Anthony and Ida Artessa, Frank “Hank” and Marion Artessa, Carmen Artessa, and Thomas and Betty Artessa. She always remembered Mary Sciortino, her dear friend who preceded her. She was also preceded by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fortunato and Maria (Greco) Artessa. Gratitude is shown to Mary’s home health aide, Nichole, who allowed her the dignity of remaining in her home. When end of life care was needed, it was the staff of the Abraham House in Rome who were compassionate and respectful of Mary’s well-being. It was also a graced time for her family as well, knowing that she was so well cared for. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Mary (Egitto) Artessa

July 8, 1922 - October 13, 2023