Mrs. Mary Jane (McCormick) deLalla

Mrs. Mary Jane (McCormick) deLalla, age 94, died on Monday, April 25, 2016 in the privacy of her home, as she had wished. Born in Syracuse on October 4, 1921, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late James A. and Maude (Howard) McCormick. Along with her parents and brother James, she moved to Florida where she lived until returning to Syracuse in the late 1930’s. After the loss of her mother, her father remarried “Grandma” Sue who she affectionately loved as her own. She attended Syracuse Memorial Nursing School where she obtained her license as a Registered Professional Nurse and became Head Nurse at Crouse-Irving Hospital where she met her husband, Dr. Vincent deLalla, who was practicing there as a Chief Resident. They were married on October 6, 1945 in Syracuse, NY, while he was on leave from service in the South Pacific. In 1950 they moved to Utica. Mary Jane was a devoted wife and mother of five children who all benefited from her many talents as a nurse, homemaker, and lover of nature and many outdoor activities, especially skiing and canoeing. She was also an award-winning photographer, spending much time developing and printing her photographs which depicted and documented her love of nature and also the joys and highlights of traveling with her husband and family throughout their lives together. Her greatest achievement was raising her family in a home that was always filled with music, meals at the dining room table, and memories of outings and camping trips in any weather. Mary Jane was always known among her children’s friends as the “fun mom”, often loading everyone into the station wagon to embark on family adventures. After her husband of 58 years passed away on December 5, 2005, Mary Jane continued to be the stronghold for her family who would fill her house for gatherings and holiday dinners. Her many stories and memories will be fondly remembered and forever missed. Mary Jane is survived by her children, Barbara Ann deLalla- Hoffman and Michael R. Lippacher, Antoinette Elizabeth “Betsy” deLalla and Gary E. Christiana, James Emmanuel and Jacqueline (Blum) deLalla, Kathleen Susan deLalla and her devoted friends who stood by her, and David Robert and Roberta (Gilbert) deLalla. Also surviving are her grandchildren, William Vincent Hoffman, Wayne Blum, David Blum, and Wyatt Vincent deLalla; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews who knew her as “Auntie Mac”, especially Vincent and his wife Ann Marie, and Virginia, and their families; special cousins, Jacqueline Ciaglia, her daughter Patricia, and Patricia’s husband, Steve Hague; and extended family members, Rhoda and Bill Gilbert. She was predeceased by her brother, James McCormick; and her sisters and brothers-in-law who were also her best friends. The family is grateful to Dr. Joseph Booth for his compassion and personal attention in caring for both Mary Jane and Vincent. Mary Jane’s family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon 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.

Mrs. Mary Jane (McCormick) deLalla

October 4, 1921 - April 25, 2016