Mary Lou (Steppello) Colucci

Mrs. Mary Lou (Steppello) Colucci, age 75, of North Utica, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2009 in the privacy of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 3, 1933, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late Phillip J. and Rose (Mazzeo) Steppello. She was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. Her artistic talents were allowed to be developed when she pursued her studies in art design. On October 5, 1956 she married Donato P. “Donald” Colucci with whom she shared a 52 year union heralded with dedication and unconditional love; as best friends, they truly knew how to meet each other’s needs. Mary Lou was a meat cutter by trade and was employed by Grand Union, Acme, and Price Chopper Markets. Along with her husband, they established and operated several Italian bakery and pastry shops in the Utica area. She was honest, hard working, selfless, and always concerned about her family first. Her lighthearted personality with a smile upon her face complemented her natural flair, style, and grace and earned her many friendships. As a mom, she was best friends with her daughters, always supportive and aware of their needs often before they were. As “grandma”, she was the best at communicating and remembering the special everyday achievements and activities of her grandchildren who proclaimed “there is no one else like her”. Even to this day, Mary Lou made it her ‘business’ to gather her family for their memorable yearly vacation. Holidays were also made special and exciting and she made sure that everyone was personally accommodated. Mary Lou had an abiding faith that revealed itself through her devotion to scripture and the words of the Lord. She was a devout Catholic with a deep spirituality and was a faithful communicant of St. Mark’s Church and a member of the Altar Rosary Society and prayer group. Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Donald; her daughters and sons-in-law, Donata and Louis Arcuri of Marcy, Philomena and William Gerstner III of Utica, and Dana and Christopher Gonzalez of Pittsburgh, PA; and her grandchildren, Giavanna Marie and Santina Rose Gerstner; and Amaris Danielle, Christopher Luis, Ariana Grace, and Krislyn Nicole Gonzalez. Survivors also include her sisters and brother-in-law, Lorraine Curriere, and Philippa and Roger Palek, all of Utica; her brother, Louis Steppello of Deerfield; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially Charlotte and Ed Froman of NJ; and her sister-in-law, Sharon L. Steppello. She was also blessed with many friends, especially her longtime and loyal friends Carm Ziobro and Patti Diven. She also leaves her faithful and loving canine companion “Princess”. She was predeceased by her brothers, Donald F. “Bena” Steppello and Phillip Steppello; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Philomena Colucci; her in-laws, Dominick and Anna Colucci, and Vito Colucci; and her niece, Carm Graziano. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo which was a welcoming and outstanding place of care for Mary Lou and her family; Dr. Marwan Fakih and his dedicated staff who offered treatment with honesty and humanity which is only common among family; and the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. who were such a comfort to Mary Lou that she referred to them as her “angels” during her difficult moments, especially Navez and Mary; and Deacon Richard Prusko and his wife Donna who were a blessing and comfort to the family. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mary Lou’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mark’s Church on Keyes Rd. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Lou (Steppello) Colucci

September 3, 1933 - January 31, 2009