Mrs. Pauline J. (Morgia) DiStefano

UTICA/CLINTON – Mrs. Pauline J. (Morgia) DiStefano, age 96, passed into the arms of her husband, Arfe, when she passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022, with her devoted family by her side. Arfe had preceded her merely 8 days prior on April 27, 2022. Born on June 15, 1925, to the late Dominick and Assunta (Cecilia) Morgia, Pauline was raised and educated in her beloved birthplace, Watertown, NY. On September 27, 1948, Pauline married the love of her life, Armando V. “Arfe” DiStefano. She was devoted to their marriage and there was nothing she would not do for her husband. The loving couple celebrated 73 wonderful years together prior to Arfe’s passing on April 27 of this year. Pauline always supported her family in whatever way she could. She took daily trips to the gas station to bring Arfie his lunch, sometimes pumping gas to lend a helping hand. Pauline, in the early years, was the bookkeeper, keeping a close eye on the business and being precise and to the penny. Pauline spent the majority of her days with her children and performed countless loving deeds. Pauline was a confidant and best friend to her children, always giving honest advice. She always had delicious dinners on the table each night, never varying from her routine, and was known for being dependable and hospitable to friends and family she welcomed into her home. Additionally, Pauline was known for her enormous heart. She was able to find unique ways to connect with each one of her children, and then with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a grandmother, Pauline would marvel in her grandchildren’s accomplishments over the years. The grandchildren had a wonderful and respectful relationship with Gram, who was the light of their lives. Pauline, known as “Nonnie”, loved her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and truly enjoyed the time she spent with each them. Pauline delighted in being part of her families’ lives and loved pleasing them. She constantly had a kind word for everyone and was even known around the neighborhood for having her door open in the mornings for coffee and great conversation. Pauline always held the homestead of Watertown, NY in her heart and returned to be with her family on any occasion she could to celebrate. There were a multitude of events that were celebrated and she, her parents, siblings, and in-laws made the best of every occasion with much laughter which made for life-long memories. For fun, Pauline enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, and watching her daily soap operas. However, she especially loved the friendships she had formed over the years, which had always been based around her kitchen table or front porch. The world doesn’t truly know women like this anymore; she was one of a kind and went well beyond. She instilled a devotion to the sacraments and the Church in her family. Pauline was faithful in attending St. Anthony Novenas, with the Lord living in her heart and giving her direction. Pauline was a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Pauline is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Roseanne and Mert Wood, Susan and Raymond Testa, Donna Toussaint and her son-in-law, Tim Toussaint, and her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Alfred “Fred” and Lisa DiStefano. She will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Jennifer and Chuck Ellixson, and René and Sean Carone; Amanda and Dominick Cittadino, Tommy Artessa, and Ray Testa; Jessica and Michael Brower, and Derek Touissant; Shane DiStefano, and Nathan DiStefano. Pauline will also be fondly remembered by her great-grandchildren, Gabriella, John, Michael, Luca, Giavanna, Isabella, Angelina, Ava, Natalia, Sophia, Bianca, and Tianna; as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Anakin, Gianni, and she was awaiting a June blessing of her third great-great-grandchild. Pauline leaves behind her brother and sister-in-law, John and Rosalind Morgia; her sister, Agnes “Aggie” Natali; and brother-in-law, Sam Tufo. Pauline was preceded by her siblings and their loves, Mary and Angelo Crescenzi, Philomena “Fanny” and Shorty Balderson, Alta and Joseph Florentino, Angelina and Leonard Mathieu, Lena and Jerry A. Attili, Lillian Tufo, Joseph Sr. and Gloria Morgia; and Egidio and Jean Morgia, and Dominick Natali; and her in-laws, Lena “Linda” and Frank Luciano, Mary and Al DiCesare, Sr., and infant Anthony Joseph. Pauline will also live on in the hearts of her many beloved nieces and nephews— The family wishes to acknowledge the dedication, love and support that the Attili/Viti families have shown to Pauline. Pauline was blessed to share in a dependable and close friendship with Nancy Ellinwood. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Karishma Circelli, for her gentle and compassionate care. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the the nurses and aides at the Sitrin Health Care Center, Mulberry House, which was an intimate setting and where Pauline’s personality was recognized and appreciated— especially to Lisa Lenehan, her recreation therapist, who was so kind and gentle with Pauline. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Pauline’s funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial, which will commence on Tuesday morning, May 10, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pauline’s honor may be made to the Frankfort Center Fire Department, online at https://www.frankfortcenterfire.com/donate. Envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Pauline J. (Morgia) DiStefano

June 15, 1925 - May 5, 2022