Mrs. Mary Ellen (Williams) LaGray

DEERFIELD - Mrs. Mary Ellen (Williams) LaGray, age 83, went home to the Lord on Sunday, October 4, 2020 when she peacefully passed away with her loved ones by her side. Born in Utica on October 19, 1936, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late David and Mary (Mulvihill) Williams. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1955. On May 7, 1955 she and Albert C. LaGray celebrated their nuptials and began their marriage built upon family and faith. They were happily married for 61 years until Al’s passing on May 2, 2016. Mary Ellen worked for 28 years at Wonder Bread Bakery as the lead clerk at the 2nd Street Outlet Store. Always friendly and helpful, she was eager to share the day’s best values with customers. Mary Ellen loved the Lord and praised his words and deeds. Engrained in her Christian ethic were humility, kindness, and trustworthiness. She found peace in the Lord’s presence and if there was a Novena, a Liturgical celebration, or a Mass, she was there. A nurturing mother, she met her kids’ needs and counseled them with the wisdom of her years. She was an ecstatic grandma who cherished time spent with her grandkids and made Church occasions and Mass a major part of their lives. Mary Ellen was an engaging and devoted Catholic, faithfully showing her great obedience at St. Mark’s Church. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, Wednesday Night Rosary Group, served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic Minister, a Religious education Instructor for the communion classes, a member of the Catholic Daughters, volunteered at The Good News Foundation and a volunteer at all bazaars and church functions. It was often said that if there was a church activity, she was there. She also was an avid volunteer at The Stanley Theatre, The Hope House, the annual Heart Run/Walk and volunteered as a tutor at General Herkimer Elementary School. She was also a savvy shopper, and held the “shop-till-you-drop” mindset, especially with her granddaughters Heather and Megan who will hold those sprees in their memories. It was a bond not to be forgotten. Thursdays were her weekly hairdresser appointment with her beloved hairdresser and dear friend Marianne, followed by an afternoon at the Deerfield Senior Center where she and her husband had a special closeness with Lura and Dorothy. Recently, her grandson Gregory and fiancé Amanda moved in with her to assist in her daily needs, a true blessing for which she was grateful. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Kim and Jack Grower, and Susan LaGray; her grandchildren, Heather and Mark Dupont II; Gregory DeBernardis Jr. and Amanda Schultz, and Megan DeBernardis; her sisters and brother-in-law, Joan and Jake Vine, Suzanne Kratzenburg, and Ann Rose; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Janice Williams, Donald and Judy Williams, and James and Mary Williams; as well as many nieces and nephews, and cousins; sister-in-law, Jeanette LaGray; and the grace of good friends for all occasions and she will be so well remembered by many of them. In addition to her beloved parents, Mary and David, and faithful husband Albert, she was predeceased by her infant sibling David, and her sister and brother-in-law, Sara and Daniel Cozza and Bob Kratzenburg; nephew, Paul Cozza; niece and goddaughter, Jacqueline Cosamano; in-laws, Doris and Harriet (Gardner) LaGray; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Edgar and Marge LaGray, Vincent LaGray, Edwin LaGray. The family is grateful to the staff of the Abraham House in Rome who were wonderful, kind, and outstanding. Their hospitality and humanitarian mission were most appreciated, and their special care will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to current restrictions, we will be operating at a reduced occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the LaGray family. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Mary Ellen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 at St. Mark’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. Memorial contributions in Mary Ellen’s memory may be considered to St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., Utica, NY 13502 or the Abraham House online at https://www.theabrahamhoue.org/donate/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Mary Ellen’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mrs. Mary Ellen (Williams) LaGray

October 19, 1936 - October 4, 2020