Mrs. Mary A. (Restifo) Waters

UTICA – Mrs. Mary A. (Restifo) Waters, age 81, went to be in the loving arms of her husband when she passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Born in Utica on June 5, 1942, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Gelfuso) Restifo. She was raised and educated in the area attending T.R. Proctor High School. Mary was wed to Thomas A. Waters, Sr. on May 13, 1967. They shared a loving and devoted union for nearly 50 years prior to his passing on November 3, 2016. For 30 years, Mary found employment with Sodexo through MVCC. The students there absolutely loved her. She was always there for them, whether it was to offer advice or just extend a kind word. A loving matriarch, she led an exceptional life as a wife and mother. She always freely gave that “extra” love, going above and beyond for her family. Whenever someone was about to leave, she would grab their face and give a big kiss. She had a beautiful sense of humor and a unique, contagious laugh. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary also had a green thumb and found much happiness spending time outdoors. She loved mowing her lawn and was a meticulous homemaker. Most of all, she enjoyed tending to the family. She could act like a big kid at heart at times, especially with her grandchildren, which always made everyone smile. Mary is survived by her children and their loves, Marie Elaina Temple and Michael Gushlaw, and Thomas A., Jr. and Traci Waters; and her grandchildren, Anthony, Brandon, Joseph and fiancée Samantha Baker; Molli and Aaron, Dakota, Jordynn, and Miranda. Always close to her heart was the memory of her granddaughter, Amber R. Waters, who passed on February 7, 2014. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Eddie; and Sage; her sisters and brother-in-law, Betty DiNardo (the late Carmen DiNardo), and Nancy and Anthony N. Corelli; her brothers and sister-in-law, Dominick Restifo, and Philip J. and Geraldine “Geri” Restifo. She was preceded by her sister and brother-in-law, Carmelina and Anthony “Gig” Franco. She is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws; and her dear friend, Sally Lopez Fike. The family is grateful to Dr. Brehaut for his medical expertise and honest advice; and the nurses and staff at MVHS at St. Luke’s Campus who were so supportive and caring during a very difficult time. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home and at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 684 Jay St. Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary A. (Restifo) Waters

June 5, 1942 - September 21, 2023