Mrs. Mary A. (Shaheen) Steet

Mrs. Mary A. (Shaheen) Steet, age 88, of New Hartford, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016 in the comfort of her home with her family at her side. Born in Fresno, California on December 1, 1927, Mary was the daughter of the late Gabriele and Malika Shaheen. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. In her early working years she had been a secretary at Griffiss Air Force Base. On July 17, 1948 she married Joseph G. Steet with whom she shared 51 years in a relationship of sincere love and commitment, a testament to a marriage of their era. Joseph passed away on May 16, 2000. Her happy, humorous personality was balanced by her strong will and mind. As a mom, she raised her children with a lot of love and good guidance, always with their best interest in her heart. In years past, Mary and Joe loved to entertain on memorable occasions with family and friends, and they did it with style and grace. Mary was a wise sensitive soul who assisted many in acclimating to their new surroundings when they immigrated to this country. She was a faithful communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, an active member of St. Mary’s Guild, and an advocate for the Lebanese community. Her faith in the Lord guided her life and she prayed for the intentions of others. Mary is survived by her daughters, Linda M. Steet of Geneseo, Diane M. Becerra of Pasadena, CA, and Joanne T. Capozzi of Fayetteville; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph A. and Lenore Steet of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Joseph R. Steet; Leila S. and Doug Cesario, Lena Becerra-Lindstrom; Carly and Brian Mathis, and Joseph T. Steet; and her great-grandchildren, Nico, Zoey; and Malcolm. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Antoinette Zalatan, and the blessing of many longtime and dear-hearted friends during her lifetime. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Frieda and Skura Madi; her brothers and sister-in-law, Buddy Shaheen, and John and Rose Shaheen; and her in-laws, Genevieve Steet, and Thomas and Margaret Steet. The family extends a genuine thank you to Dr. Naji El-Khoury and his great staff, and Dr. Martin Morelle. Mary was bestowed with an extraordinary home health “family”, who companied her each day with much dedication; her children will remain grateful for the many acts of kindness each of them shared. Her family honored Mary’s sincerest wishes and celebrated her life in a private time. Her Divine Liturgy of the faithful departed was offered at St. Louis Gonzaga Church celebrated by Chorbishop John Faris. She was laid to rest next to her husband in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mrs. Mary A. (Shaheen) Steet

December 1, 1927 - August 12, 2016