Mrs. Mary J. (Moccaldi) Pape

Mrs. Mary J. (Moccaldi) Pape, age 72, of Whitesboro, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in the comfort of her home with the love and support of her family by her side. Mary was born in Utica on August 25, 1939 the daughter of the late Michael M. and Theresa M. (Cardinale) Moccaldi. She attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School graduating in 1957; during her senior year she was honored for her advanced typing skills which afforded her a position at the Boy’s Trade School. On May 14, 1966 she was united in the Sacrament of Marriage to Rodger A. Pape, Sr. with whom she shared a beloved and special union of 45 years. Trust and loyalty were the foundation of their love; she admired Rodger as her sweetheart and a kind, loving, special, and best friend. She began her formal work career with the General Electric Company at their Bleecker Street Radio/Receiver location as a secretary in the purchasing department, a position for which she was proficient. Blessed with her sweetheart’s and angels, Marianne and Rodger, Jr., Mary dedicated her years during her children’s youth to being at home being the best mom she could be and living by the motto that “her family always came first”. When she returned to the workforce, she took a job at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center as a secretarial/keyboard specialist, a place where not only her co-workers, but the clients as well, became a second family to her. She retired in 1997. When her children were growing up, she was very active as a Girl Scout leader, a room mother at school, supporter of her son by being a hockey mom, and an advocate of any endeavors her children embraced. Mary will be remembered as one who was meticulous in every detail of her life, and truly touched the hearts of those she loved, and will be long remembered for her gracious nature. She was loved and respected by everyone she met, and she always had the ability to see the good in everyone. Laughter and smiles were always apparent in her facial expressions and heartfelt humor especially with Lisa. Chocolate chip cookies were her forte and she shared them with such stylish decorations and presentation. She was blessed with the ability to create incredible Italian cuisine, a tradition she inherited from her mother. Mary also played the role of family photographer, and she always remembered loved ones’ special days and occasions with the perfect card or gift. She enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach in the winter and she also loved the Adirondacks, especially summers in Inlet. She also liked the excitement of Atlantic City, and the casino at Vernon Downs. In acknowledgement of her organizational skills, she was always proud of the support she rallied for the organization “Feed Our Vets”. She was a member of the Red Hat Society Queen of Hearts, where she was “Queen Mother”, a title of endearment. Mary was a devout and faithful Catholic and a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Rodger; her daughter, Marianne T. Pape of Myrtle Beach, SC; her son and daughter-in-law, Rodger, Jr. and Amy Pape of West Winfield; and her precious grandchildren, Noelle Sophia, the granddaughter who inherited her quiet and gentle qualities, and Elise Violet, who has her blue eyes and enthusiastic laughter. Mary is survived by a younger brother who she watched over and loved dearly throughout her life, Joseph P. Moccaldi, and his wife Debra of Clinton. She also leaves her aunts and uncles, Rose M. Jalowiec who she admired for her motherly presence in her life, Carmella “Cookie” Biasi, and Raymond F. Cardinale, all of New Hartford; many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Caitlyn, Rachel, and Brady, who she adored and with whom she spent precious years sharing great involvement in their life; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; Lisa Blindenhofer who was truly her 2nd daughter; a special “angel”, Kathy Moccaldi, who cared for Mary unconditionally; her sister-in-law, Mona Moccaldi of FL; her lifelong friend, Rose Ann Convertino; and numbered among some of those with whom she shared special and memorable times are Mary Rose and Gary Werner, Aggie and Pat St.Thomas, and Kim Lisandrelli and her daughter Angela. She was predeceased by her brothers, Michael, Robert E., James F. “Jim”, and Pasquale J. Moccaldi; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry Sr. and Clara Pape; sister-in-law, Marlene Ann Pape, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Henry and Bessie Pape. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Sultana Razia and her staff and nurses who were so affectionate, kind, and compassionate; and to the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their comforting presence in her home. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Flowers are graciously accepted. Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Committal services will be held at the chapel at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. “A thoughtful act, however small, is the greatest gift of all”.

Mrs. Mary J. (Moccaldi) Pape

August 25, 1939 - March 14, 2012