Mrs. Mary Jane (Malagese) Ferrucci

UTICA – Mrs. Mary Jane (Malagese) Ferrucci, age 78, was embraced by those who went before her as she peacefully passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 20, 1939, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Anthony and Rose (Sweet) Saporito Malagese. She attended T.R. Proctor High School. On July 6, 1957 she married Anthony Ferrucci with whom she shared 59 years in a marriage of their generation. They honored their vows and worked together to build a happy home and a loving family life. She was a supportive wife as he operated Dino’s Sausage, and she exemplified the adage that ‘behind every good man is a great woman’. Mary Jane was a stay-at-home mom, a benefit that brought a balance to her children. They felt so blessed to have their mom at home to care for them and the household. She was humble about her role as matriarch and never looked for accolades. Her heart and her home were open to all, and she would help in any way she could. Her unconditional love was extended to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a dependable, doting Nonni who gave them love, kisses, and take home dinners. She embraced family traditions so future generations could carry them on. Christmas Eve was festive and her house was filled with family, food, and her famous desserts including her favorite Christmas stocking cookies. At Easter, you would eagerly await her phone call announcing that the cassata and Easter bread were baked and good to go. Birthdays never got by Mary Jane, and she would be the first to call and sing “Happy Birthday” — full verse, vibrato, a cappella! The Ferrucci family always traveled in a pack on trips to the north country, Auriesville Shrine, and Niagara Falls. The troupe included siblings, cousins, and anyone else ready for adventure. These journeys were treasured memories. Mary Jane loved the intricate work of crafting, painting, and ceramics, as a hobby. But her interest in ceramics became a business when she joined forces with her sister, Josephine, and established Jo-Mar Ceramics Classes & Craft Shows. It was also a place and time for family and friends to gather. They will always remember the realism she captured in the eyes she painted. Mary Jane also loved to shop, and QVC will miss her. Since Mary Jane’s first trip to Walt Disney World, she became obsessed! Annually she made return trips and was so proud to have her own Disney vacation club card. Mary Jane was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Mark’s Church in North Utica. She attended novenas, prayed the Holy Rosary, and wore her scapular. She had a deep faith in her creed and lived a good Christian life. At an earlier time in her life she was involved with her parish. She was one of the women who proposed adding pizza fritta and fried meatballs to be enjoyed after Mass. Mary Jane volunteered her time to oversee the retreats for parish youth and she could be counted on to assist in anything that needed to be done. She was mindful of years past, of her roots and her rearing, and of how fortunate she was to have had parents who were so loving. In looking back, Mary Jane leaves a legacy of a loving husband and good children who embody all her efforts to raise them in God’s light and love. Through her faith and good judgment, she made each of them feel special and important. All she wanted was for her family to be happy, love each other, live in harmony, and stay together. She was blessed to be married to a good man who held her in his heart to the very end. God brought them together for a reason. And it was good. Mary Jane is survived by her husband Anthony, affectionately “Hon”; her daughters and sons-in-law, Alicia A. Guarascio, Rose Marie and Kenny Jarvis, Antoinette L. Ferrucci, and Patricia A. and Christopher Houser; her grandchildren, Diana Gohringer and her former husband Eric Gohringer, Nicole and Anthony Caramadre, Alissa Guarascio, Patti-Anne and Nick Santiago, James Guarascio, Maranda Rose Guarascio; Kelly Jarvis, Stephanie Jarvis, Nicholas Jarvis/USMC, KayLee Jarvis; Brian Voce Jr., Jamie and Antonio Zenzillo, Santina Voce and fiance Jon Peters; and Gabriella Houser and Colby LaCouture; great-grandchildren, Eric Jr., and Evan; Santino, and Angelo; Isaiah, Aaliyah, and Davion; Arielle; James III; Riley; Makayla; and Leonardo “King Leo”; and her siblings and their spouses, Anthony and Sandra Malagese, Josephine Russo who was her best friend, Patricia Ann and Rocco A. DePerno, and Vincent and Nanette. She also leaves a grand number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her in-laws, Josephine and Greg Kabot, and Rocco and Sandra Ferrucci. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Carmen Russo, Ida L. and Louis Barretta, and James R. and Natalie Ferruci; and her dear and longtime friend, Jeanne Guarascio. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Wassel, Dr. Castronova, and the staff of the Masonic Care Community/Yonkers Household for the care that they provided Mary Jane which was above and beyond expectation. They encouraged her daily activities and will be remembered for their compassion. The personnel of the Troy Unit were also empathic and caring. The family is grateful to Fr. John Flannagan for his final blessing. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mary Jane’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mark’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Pasik. Committal will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary Jane (Malagese) Ferrucci

April 20, 1939 - May 12, 2017