Obituary of Mary Antoinette Giardino

Mary Antoinette Giardino, 80, of Gloversville, NY, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020 after a brief illness.

Born November 6, 1939, Mary was the daughter of the late Paul and Josephine Cassaro Giardino.

For many years, Mary enjoyed providing assistance working in the office of her brother, Dr. Joseph P. Giardino. She was a consummate bookkeeper, however, her most valuable contribution was making sure every child left with a lollipop and a smile.

She later in life dedicated her time and energy as part owner of the Johnstown Bowling Center, and eventually retired from a career with the Fulton County Department of Social Services.

While Mary took great pride in her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy came from her family. Despite her declining health, she always made every effort to let those she cared about never forget how much she truly loved them. Thoughtful and generous to a fault, in her eyes, no gift was too large or too small. Whether it be a quick phone call to check in, a sweet note delivered to our mailbox with a few dollars for our favorite ice cream, or a large box on our doorstep containing a surprise she’d simply insist we needed, it was her way of sharing her heart in all the ways she still could.

Mima Mary was the true gift in our lives, however.

May she receive all the love she gave to us and more at the doorstep of her new home in Heaven.

Mary is survived by her former husband, James E. Handy, her three children, James S. Handy (Barbara), Kathleen M. Ryan (Timothy), and Ann Marie Ferraro; a brother, Charles Giardino (Albina); grandchildren, Christopher Ryan, Kaitlin Ryan Braidwood (Chad), Isabella Ryan, Michael, Stephen and William Ferraro; step grandchildren Jason Bowler, Renee Gancarz, and Heather Raffan; great grandchildren Isla Mae, Mirabel Grace, and Declan Timothy Braidwood; step great grandchildren Troy Bowler, Bailey Gancarz, Jordan, Kent and Bracie Vose; and step great great grandchild, Walker Miller.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Joseph P. Giardino and a nephew, Charles A. Giardino.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 6pm Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville.  Facial covering and social distancing will be required.

A private Prayer Service will take place Wednesday at the convenience of the family with the Rev. James Walsh officiating.

Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, 437 Nine Mile Tree Rd; Gloversville, NY 12078.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com