Mrs. Mary (Rossi) Camerata

UTICA - Mrs. Mary (Rossi) Camerata, age 96, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023. Her niece Geri who was also her caretaker was by her side and as well she was in the hearts of those she loved the most. Born in Rome, NY on August 31, 1926, Mary was the daughter of the late Louis and Catherine (Catello) Rossi. Raised and educated in the city of her birth, she graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1944. It was also there in St. John the Baptist Church on October 6, 1956 that she married Joseph Camerata. They had a marriage of their era. Both hard workers, he was the provider and she managed her home with great excellence. Their partnership was a perfect match. They shared 46 years prior to his passing on May 18, 2003. At one time, she had worked at Rome Turney Radiator Co. She was a member of the Auxiliary of Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity. In earlier years, she and her husband took several trips across the country. She had great enthusiasm and boundless energy. Mary and Joseph were proud to have acquired a summer home on Candarago Lake where they invested in the surrounding area and, with much pride, operated the park. They were mindful of caring for the property, 4:00 p.m. was for gin and tonics, visitors were always welcome, and each day ended by the camp fire. Mary was especially proud of her vast collection of pigs. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading novels and magazines and solving puzzle books. Mary practiced her faith at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. Mrs. Camerata is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Susannah (Hills) Camerata; and a grandson, Sam Camerata. Her survivors also include her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging her niece and caretaker, Geri Simonette-Hendrix (Scott), nephew, Bob Mays (Jayme) and niece, Bernadette Mays Allison (Bob); several cousins; and sister-in-law, Joanne (Camerota) Grimaldi. She was predeceased by her brother, Louis Rossi; sister and brother-in-law, Palmira and Robert Mays; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Angelo and Elisabetta Camerota; and in-laws, Sylvia E. and Gerald “Joe” Simonette, Gina and Frank LoParco, and Daniel Camerota. Gratitude is extended to the Erie Household of the Masonic Care Community, these trustworthy and compassionate caregivers made Mary feel so special. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Prayer Service will commence at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85310410581. In keeping with Mary's wishes, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to Operation Sunshine online at www.opsun.org/give; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Mary (Rossi) Camerata

August 31, 1926 - June 19, 2023