Mary Theresa (Cuda) Benedetto

Mrs. Mary Theresa (Cuda) Benedetto, age 96, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 when she passed away at the Presbyterian Home for CNY. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of those she loved most. Born in Utica on March 8, 1919, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa (Talerico) Cuda. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On May 20, 1946 she wed George J. Benedetto with whom she shared 62 years in a marriage common of their era. Mary was nurturing in her love and respect for her husband and together they made sacrifices and worked hard to provide for their family. Her beloved George passed away on May 31, 2008. At one time, Mary held employment with the Boston Store as an Office Manager. Upon the birth of her daughter, she left the workforce and dedicated herself to family life and maintaining her home with pride. Like her mother before her, she furnished her family (and her African violets) with the love and nutrients they needed to flourish. She enjoyed gardening, and alongside her husband, they cultivated outstanding vegetables and produce. Blessed with a knack for baking and a skill for cooking, her culinary talents produced bountiful meals which made for decades of memorable holidays and family gatherings. As a mom, she made things seem easy, but she never new how highly she was held in esteem by her loved ones. Mary was a giving soul and a great friend mindful of the many happy memories made over the years of her life. A communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church, her life was guided by her strong faith and she attended faith services of different denominations with an open heart and deep spiritual devotion. Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Theresa M. and Dr. Sam Pennise of Hammondsport, NY. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Leonard M. Benedetto who passed away on December 8, 1957. She also leaves her grandchildren, Andrew and Patricia Pennise of Oneida, Timothy and Bridget Pennise of Kenilworth, IL, and Jennifer and James Kruger of Penfield, NY; her great-grandchildren, Patrick, Sarah, Matthew, and Thomas Pennise; Henry, and Molly Pennise; Ella, Emilia, and Alexa Kruger. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Yolanda Benedetto, and her special and devoted friend, Carol Palmieri. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Charles and Nancy Cuda, and Anthony Cuda; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Fanny and Frank Flint, Flora and Carl Plano, and Gloria and Casper “Cappy” Vassallo; her in-laws, Antoinette S. Benedetto, Angelo J. and Norma Benedetto, and Leonard A. Benedetto; her nephews, James “Jamie” Benedetto, Robert J. Benedetto, and Francis “Butch” Montrose. The family extends appreciation for the loving care and comforting surroundings offered to Mary by the staff of the Birch Unit at the Presbyterian Home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John's Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to Historic Old St. John’s Food Pantry or Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc, c/o 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Rd., Mendon, NY 14506; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Theresa (Cuda) Benedetto

March 8, 1919 - April 29, 2015