Mrs. Mary Ann Verni

Today we celebrate the life of our mother, Mary Ann Verni, of Utica, who passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family by her side. Mary Ann was born in Albany, NY and the daughter of the late Cosimo and Maria (Alvaro) Scambelluri. Raised and educated in Albany, she graduated from St. John’s Academy and completed her business courses at the Mildred Elley College. On December 27, 1942, she married our late father, Ernest A.Verni, Sr. with whom she shared 46 years prior to his passing on April 22, 1989. She was his soul mate and she helped him in the successful operations of Verni’s, and Coach House Restaurants. While raising their four children, Mary Ann also nursed both of her husband’s parents until their deaths. After Ernest’s death, her children were her focus and she shared her time living with her daughter Linda’s family in Madison, NY, and with her daughter Cynthia’s family in Winter Springs, FL. Mary Ann moved back to Albany in 2001 when Cynthia and Tom relocated there. Mary Ann worked in the Dept of Navy Scotia Center, accounting department, which prepared her to help with the bookkeeping for the family restaurants. In 1967 she returned to the work force with the Oneida National Bank, East Utica Branch. She was not only a valuable employee, but could also speak Italian to accommodate many patrons of the bank. She was acknowledged for her 20 years of service with a wonderful retirement party. Mary Ann was a grand lady of her time and a genteel woman who was loved by all. She was affectionate, kind, gracious, confident, bright, and a good friend .She was very active with the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Auxiliary organizing rummage sales, dances, and serving as President. She had a passion for a bowling and was in a bowling league for many years and also was involved with the local Democratic Party. She was very involved in the lives of her children who attended St. Francis De Sales, Notre Dame HS, colleges, and nursing school. Her home was the center for family, friends, or anyone who needed a meal. Cooking for 35 people was no great task for her, and everyone loved her delicious meatballs, spinach and sausage rolls! She will always be remembered for her sweet smile, her persistence, and her great Catholic faith. She was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Mary Ann is survived by her children and their families, James M., Sr. and Mary (Manfredo) Verni of Marion, MA, Linda (Verni) Williams of Syracuse and spouse, Ike Growe, Ernest A., Jr. and Debbie (Underhill) Verni of Saratoga Springs, and Cynthia (Verni) and Thomas Petronio, Sr. of Albany; her grandchildren, James Verni, Jr., Christa Lamb, Colleen Lamb, Michael Verni, Christopher Verni, Matthew Verni, Sean Lamb, Elizabeth Verni, Alyssa Petronio and Zachary Verni; her great grandchildren, Jonathan Lamb, Robert, David, and Alexis Coir, Ella and Luciana Verni, Joseph M. Verni; and her great-great-grandson, Nicholas Coir. Survivors also include sister-in law Violet Verni Fariello and special nephew Albert Fariello, Jr. of FL; sister in Albany; Craig Scambelluri and Lisa (Scambelluri) Braman, her goddaughter, Roseann Audino-Clemente; Spataro Family and special family and friends, Anna Mandich, Tonino Calicchio, Robert Ramos and Irene DiOnofrio. She was predeceased by her brothers ; Michael, Joseph, Anthony, Frank Scambelluri and sister Laura Rullo; in-laws, Louise Verni Grazulis. Alfred Verni and Albert Fariello Sr. The family extends sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of 3A at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the care, professionalism, and compassion shown to the entire family; and the staff of St. Joseph Nursing Home, 3rd floor for their gentle love and guidance. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. Utica, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make Donations to the St. Joseph Nursing Home or Historic Old St. John's Church ; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary Ann’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.