Mrs. Mary V. (Leone) Digristina

SCHUYLER, NY – Mrs. Mary V. (Leone) Digristina, age 97, gently passed on to her Lord and found her heavenly peace on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, surrounded by her faithful family. Born in Utica on September 15, 1928, Mary was the daughter of the late Pasquale “Patsy” Sr. and Fortunata “Florence” (Rocco) Leone. She attended Utica Schools. On October 7, 1950, she joined in holy matrimony with Rosario “Charlie” Digristina. The two of them were a seamless pair – their love always a constant harmony. From their earliest years together, their marriage was built on love, trust, and respect. Even after Charlie’s passing, his love for Mary remained a guiding light, which inspired her children and shaped a legacy of strength, love, and the importance of family values. Charlie passed away on June 8, 1995, after 45 beautiful years of marriage. Together, Mary and Charlie owned and operated Charlie Digristina and Sons Produce at their original Home Farm, as well as operating the Holiday Motel. Mary was a woman who seemed to belong to an era when character was just as important as beauty, and she possessed both. Mary was born into a large family. She was one of 13 siblings, yet Mary still stood apart due to how she carried herself with a natural confidence that made others take notice. Mary was no one’s fool. She possessed a keen mind and a graceful way of speaking that reflected both love and kindness. Many remembered Mary for her calm and composed manner, but those who knew her best understood that her true strength lay in her judgment, her dignity, and the quiet confidence with which she carried herself through life. Whether caring for her family or welcoming customers at the businesses along Herkimer Road in Schuyler, Mary moved with purpose and intention. Customers trusted her not only because she served them well, but because she treated each person with a sincerity that could not be imitated. She understood people—knowing when to listen, when to guide, and when to stand firm. Family was the center of her world. She cared for them with a devotion that never needed to be announced; it simply lived in her daily actions—in the way she kept things in order, offered wise counsel, and made sure everyone felt seen and valued. There was a quiet strength about Mary, the kind that does not fade with time. She belonged to a generation that believed in responsibility and perseverance, and she carried those values with distinction throughout her life. Women like Mary are not easily replaced; there will always be a feeling in those who knew her that a truly remarkable woman once touched their lives in a unique and meaningful way. To coin a couple of Mary’s phrases, “39 forever- at heart,” and whenever anyone said, “I love you,” her response was, “I love you more.” Being surrounded by her family soothed her soul and gave her a wonderful quality of life. She showered her love on her 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Grandma” to her family and was blessed to enjoy each generation of her loved ones, who filled her heart with joy. For her whole, long life, Mary was a dedicated woman of faith, hope, and love, who exemplified strength and courage in all things she experienced. Her parents set the stage with their spiritual guidance, teaching her to know the love of Our Lord. She had unwavering faith and stood firm in her beliefs. She constantly prayed with her rosary and always had a personal prayer book by her side. There was no question—it was written in stone—that she knew she would one day be reunited with the love of her life, Charlie. Mary is survived by her devoted children and their spouses: Vincent and Brenda Digristina; Flo Russo and Robin “Bernie” Lindsay; Russell and Janice Digristina; Cindy and Pat Magro; and Charlie and Danielle Digristina. She treasured her grandchildren: Valecia and Luigi Stocchetti; Philip and Rina Russo, Michael Russo, Regina Russo, Noelle and Paul Santos, and their father, Phil Russo Sr.; Santina and Brett Hughes; Christina and Matt Mazur; Sabrina Digristina; and the late Christina Digristina; Francesca Magro, Salvatore Magro, and Stefano and Amra Magro; twin brothers Rosario and Charlie, Vincenzo Digristina, and Wilfredo Gonzales; and her adored great-grandchildren: Giuliana and Luca; Anastasia and fiancé Michael Chiarito, and Giavanna; Landon, Peyton, and Hudson; Aaliyah and Elijah; and Aria and Luca. Her loss is also felt by her sister, Angeline “Shirley” Cannistra (and the late Frank A. Cannistra), and her brother and sister-in-law: Russell F. and Laura Jean Leone, and Violet A. Leone. She held close the memory of her siblings and their spouses who preceded her: Carmella and John Caputo; Theresa M. and Alfred Stivali; Lena H. Bruzzese Papa and her first husband, Paul Bruzzese, as well as her second husband, Anthony Papa; Kathryn and Frank Delia; Victor C. Sr. and Carmella “Cora” Leone; Rocco A. Sr. and Angeline Leone; Frank Sr. and Grace Leone; Joseph V. Sr. and Flora Leone; Patsy L. Leone, Jr.; and Antonio “Anthony” Sr. and Dorothy Leone. Mary was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law: Rose Juliano (the late Joseph Juliano); Clara Lidano (the late Joseph Lidano); and Cecelia Amey (the late Bill Amey). She cherished many lifelong friendships and was additionally preceded by her in-laws: Leo and Clara Digristina; Nancy and Anthony Spohn; and Mary and Dominick “Mickey” Gerace. It takes a special love, compassion, and devotion to care for one another as we age. Had it not been for the trust and close bond she shared with her daughters, Flo and Cindy, and their spouses, Bernie and Pat, Mary’s later years would have been much more challenging. Their siblings are truly grateful and will never forget their care and devotion. Special thanks are also extended to her caregiver Jessica, and the assistance of Nancy and Maddie, who were so dear and special to Mary. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Digristina family graciously accepts floral offerings or memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Interment will take place alongside her beloved Charlie in West Schuyler Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Mary V. (Leone) Digristina

September 15, 1928 - March 10, 2026