Obituary of Elizabeth Mary DiMezza

E. Mary Gerrish DiMezza of Gloversville, 93, passed away Tuesday morning, July 5, 2011 at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. She was born on May 19, 1918 in Gloversville, the first daughter of Minnie Rosa Dew Gerrish and Edward Gerrish who emigrated from Dilton Marsh England in 1914. At an early age Mary, her brother and three younger sisters were orphaned and raised by their Auntie Emma and Uncle Gordon Hamm. Mary was often a caretaker for her youngest sister Betty Jane and later for her Uncle when his health began to fail. Mary was married to the love of her life, John DiMezza on May 18, 1957. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Gloversville. Traveling and spending time with family were two activities Mary and John enjoyed very much. They took great pleasure in the time they spent at "Sunshine Pond," their camp in Benson in the Adirondacks. Many family memories were created and shared at Benson family reunions organized by Mary and her sisters. They cherished each other 33 years before John passed away in December of 1990. Mary delighted in laughter-filled lunches with her sisters, holding the babies, a good ice cream cone, and walks in the garden. She was known for her baking and crocheting beautiful afghans. Although she had no biological children of her own she treated her nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews as if they were her own; devoting much time and love to them all. There was a special bond that was mutual. Mary lived her life by example; quietly and generously giving of herself, acting consciously to make the lives of others happy. She was a gracious, hard working, and loving woman with a giving spirit. She will be missed by the family and friends whose lives she touched. She is survived by her niece Sally Emery of Clinton who affectionately cared for Mary every day of her stay at the Home. She is also survived by her nieces Deborah Craig Michael of Gloversville, NY; Ellen Pryor Donald Anchorage, Alaska; Mary Ellen Malcolm Scott; and nephews Edward Oaksford Linda Tallahassee FL; James Leach Linda Hamilton, NY; Thomas Britcher Nancy Knoxville, Tennessee; David John Dimezza Barbara Latham, NY; as well as Colleen Britcher Clinton, NY; and Cheryl Gerrish Old Forge, NY. There is also a long list of many other great nieces and nephews who adored her. She is predeceased by her sister Florence Britcher; sister Betty Jane Oaksford; sister Dorothy Leach; brother Edward Roy Gerrish ; and nephews Brian J. Britcher and Edward Gerrish. Mary's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Presbyterian Home, and especially to the wonderful crew of Willow Wing for their kindness and compassionate care they provided to Mary throughout the years. You all became like Mary's family and we are forever grateful. Following Mary's wishes there will be a brief graveside service Tuesday July 12 at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville, NY at 11:00. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY.