Mafalda "Muffy" (DelMastro) Mitura

Mrs. Mafalda "Muffy" (DelMastro) Mitura, age 86, of Utica, was taken ill at the home of her daughter Teresa. She passed peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2009, with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on October 11, 1922, Mafalda was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Maria (Desotto) DelMastro. She was raised and educated locally and was a member of the first graduating class of T. R. Proctor High School. On May 2, 1946 she was joined in the sacrament of marriage to Joseph M. Mitura with whom she shared 54 loving years prior to his passing on August 16, 2000; during their years together, they shared in the mutual and common bonds of family life. Muffy’s working life included a being a secretary for the N.Y. Central Railroad, and later was employed by J. B. Wells Department Store. She lastly held a position as a teacher assistant at Wetmore School, the position from which she retired in 1986. She especially loved to be in the company of children and found great reward in teaching them to read. At home, she enjoyed being a wife and mother and raising four children who honored her love. She was accomplished in culinary skills as well as crafting and was extremely creative, especially with her handmade ‘birthday cards’. Many knew of her generosity when it came to her cooking, sewing and art. She also studied watercolor at Elder Life and through private lessons. Many also knew Muffy as a defender of the average person through her numerous newspaper editorials. A devout and faith-filled woman, Muffy was a communicant of St. Agnes Church for over 50 years, and only one week ago she attended the last celebration of Mass at the parish, which was an especially meaningful event for her. Her spiritual leadership was seen in the many ways she shared the Lord’s wisdom as she taught religious education classes for 26 years, was a Eucharistic Minister, and volunteered for many church functions and festivities. A member and facilitator of the “Renew Group” since its inception, she was recognized for her faithful service. Muffy is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Teresa M. and Robert Decker of New Hartford, and Estherann Czyoski of Provincetown, MA; her sons and daughter-in-law, Michael Mitura, PhD and his wife Janet of Carrollton, TX, and Joseph A. Mitura of Rochester, NY; and her grandchildren, Kathryn Decker, Nicholas Decker; Thomas Czyoski; Daniel Mitura, and Jason Mitura. Survivors also include her sister, Mary Gigliotti of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, John Cholnik, Benny Mitura, Sadie Zabek, Mary Mitura, Josephine Perrone, Stanley Mitura, and Marilyn DelMastro. She was also blessed with the friendship of Carol Aulbach, Carol Soldato, Joanne Geraci, Carrie Alteri, Jennie Arcuri, Kay Beratta, and her ‘newest friend’, Adeline Pecoraro. She was predeceased by her infant sister, Libera; her sister, Angela Cholnik; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Mary DelMastro, and James and Beverly DelMastro; and her in-laws, Frank Mitura, Edward Mitura, Sandra Mitura, Steve Zabek, Joe Zabek, Wanda Zabek, and Joseph R. Gigliotti. The family offers sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Aspen Unit at the Presbyterian Homes & Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and graciousness in caring for Muffy. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Muffy’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Muffy’s funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mafalda "Muffy" (DelMastro) Mitura

October 11, 1922 - January 25, 2009