Mary A. Moses

Mary A. Moses, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2006, at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Utica on December 30, 1919, Mary was the daughter of the late Rocco and Freida (Kallasy) Moses. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Beginning her career as a saleswoman for Neisner Brothers on Genesee St., Mary demonstrated such aptitude and dedication in all areas of the job that she quickly ascended the business ladder until she eventually became a store manager, a position that she held until the store's closing in 1976. She then accepted a management position with Ames Department Store where she worked until 1981, when she retired. After her retirement, she spent ten years as a volunteer in the Utica City Schools where she assisted children in improving their reading skills. Mary was devoted to her family. She established and maintained enduring and meaningful relationships with her loved ones, especially with her nieces and nephew for whom she often served as a "second Mom." Very active within the family, she was considered to be the matriarch who could always be depended upon to take charge, to give assistance, to offer advice or to provide support whenever a situation warranted her involvement. Mary was a very generous and social individual; she loved nothing more than sharing good times and companionship with others. Her favorite activities included dinners with family and friends, shopping and playing cards. A deeply religious person, she was devoted to her church, St. Louis Gonzaga, and to her Maronite Faith. Mary is survived by her nieces and nephew, Sharon and Bill Halpin of DeWitt, NY, Elaine and James Griswell of Augusta, GA, Diane Goodwin of San Diego, CA, Sandra Moses of New Hartford, NY, Cynthia and Kevin Gadra of Skaneateles, NY, Michael Papierski of Phoenix, AZ, and Deborah and Harold Woodward of Port St. Lucie, FL; and her in-laws, Gatha Moses of New Hartford, and John Papierski of Utica. She also leaves many dear and cherished friends, especially acknowledging Clara Smolka. She was predeceased by a sister, Margery Papierski; and four brothers, Thomas, who passed away in infancy, Louis F., Edward J., and Mitchell R. Moses. The family offers its sincere thanks to Father Bassam Saade for his concern and spiritual guidance, to Lindsey Delaney for the care and attention shown to Mary and to all the family throughout the years. Visitation will be held today (Monday) from 4 to 7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered today at 5:00 at the funeral home. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Mary's honor to a charity of choice. Her funeral will commence on Tuesday at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Bassam Saade, Pastor. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary A. Moses

December 30, 1919 - February 3, 2006