Mrs. Mary M. (Convertino) Grande

Mrs. Mary M. (Convertino) Grande, age 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2013 in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born June 20, 1920 in Utica, Mary was the daughter of the late Donato and Maria (Santoro) Convertino. She was raised and educated locally. On March 6, 1943, Mary wed Christopher A. Grande with whom she shared 68 years in a strong and steadfast marriage of their era until his passing on December 12, 2011. During World War II, Mary worked at the General Electric Company Defense Plant on Kent Street. She later worked as an assembler at Mohawk Containers for many years. Mary was an extremely energetic woman who was always on the go, and she was an active member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, now the Italian Heritage Club of the Mohawk Valley. Mary had a passionate presence with a vibrant persona and always attired to perfection. She let her "heart" guide her life allowing her to possess a unique and generous spirit which were her signature characteristics. She delighted in recognizing her innate traits and infused them upon others in her life. She loved to engage in the activities of playing bingo, partaking in card games, and enjoyed the art of baking. The company of her family was sustaining and a source of enjoyment in her life. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Survivors include her children, Christopher and Linda Grande of Utica; Johann and Philip Sbarra, and Mariann and Anthony Spiridigloizzi, all of New Hartford; her grandchildren and their spouses, Salvatore and Michele Grande, Christopher Jr. and Patricia Grande, Melissa Grande, and Dominick Collicco; Adrienne and Bernard Adorino, Philip Jr. and Erica Sbarra; Anthony Spiridigloizzi Jr., and Erica (Spiridigloizzi) Grande and her husband Sam Grande; as well as her 12 great-grandchildren. Her extended family includes many nieces, especially acknowledging Joette Mancuso, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law Frances Grande and Carmella Grande. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Louis R. Randazzo; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Theresa Convertino, Martin and Frances Convertino, and Angelo and Angeline Convertino; and her in-laws, Faye and Salvatore Talerico, Lucy and Vincent Motto, Carl “Mooch” Grande, John and Peggy Grande, Rocco and Carmella Grande, and Angelo J. Grande. The family honored and commemorated Mary’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 12:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Mary M. (Convertino) Grande

June 20, 1920 - May 17, 2013