Mary A. Bello

UTICA - Mary A. Bello, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. God met her in the comfort of her home, embraced her, and escorted her to eternal rest. Born on May 22, 1941 in Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal, Mary was the daughter of the late John and Maria (Pires) Belo. She immigrated to the United States and settled in Utica. She attended Wetmore Grammar School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Maria was a fun aunt who was entertaining to her nieces and nephews; her jokes and play on words are memorable to this day. Mary’s Bacon Street homestead was a treasure to her, and she had a spot for all of her important possessions. A thrifty shopper, she was well-attired and was taught by her Mom that every good outfit deserved a coordinating hat. She was proud of her Portuguese heritage, her independence, and her ability to maintain her own home. Her charitable nature was unending. Although her physical home brought her happiness and love of family, it was her spiritual home, St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, that filled her soul with joy and renewal. She supported all the parish activities, attended Masses, Novenas, festivals, and participated in religious organizations, guilds, and societies. She embraced the values and commitment she made to the Lord in this life. She grasped the glory of the Cross and knew that God loved each of us as if there was only one of us, and that the Holy Mother of God was blessed and chosen. The Lord never said that our journey would be easy, but he did promise that the arrival would be glorious. Even though she was epileptic, Maria never allowed her illness to prevent her from her routing which included attending daily mass. She attended religious gatherings and Rosary Rallies held at other churches in the city, and she expressed her condolences at visitations and funerals with much reverence. Mary is survived by her brother and sisters-in-law, John and Susan Belo, and Nancy Bello; her beloved nephews and their loves, John and Betzeleina Belo, Paul and Debbie Belo, and Marc Belo; and her late nephew Matthew’s fiancée, Jannine Shirey. She also leaves her great-nieces and great-nephews, John A. Belo Jr., Daniella Belo, and Angel L. Belo; Taylor, Madison, and Bryan Belo; and many cousins. She was dear to many clergy and staff members of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She was predeceased by her brothers, Harry A. Bello, and Paul Bello; and her nephew, Matthew Bello in 2018. Mary was blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends who were an inspiration to her during her journey of life. She appreciated all their kindness and concern. She will be fondly remembered by friends and loved ones as a “public transportation expert”! Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, March 11th at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Mary A. Bello

May 22, 1941 - February 26, 2019