Obituary of Mary Rose DeSimone

Mary Rose DeSimone, maker of so many lovely things, died Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany. Born in Syracuse, N.Y. on December 17, 1917, to Salvatore and Carmela Cosentino Leo, Mary was raised in Johnstown. Having attended Johnstown and Gloversville schools, she later earned her G.E.D. and enjoyed taking art classes at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. She spent most of her married life in Gloversville and had been a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville and a member of the Rosary Society until joining St. Clare's Church in Albany. Mary was a kind, intelligent, curious, beautiful, indefatigable, determined, ingenious, eloquent, artistic woman. She lived for her husband and family, often literally running around to meet everyone's needs. Mom embraced everyone her family loved, welcoming them with the best Italian meals and with endless support. Though she laughed at herself for tooting her own horn, it was true that there wasn't a mechanical problem that could stump her. "What will we do?!" Mom loved excitement, and enjoyed traveling anywhere, but especially to Italy, Florida and New York City. Because of lean early years, a stylish appearance was vital to Mary. She enjoyed having people notice her coordinated outfits, many of which she had made herself; and even up to a few months ago she loved to shop for clothes and jewelry. All her life Mom sewed for her family, from items "that gotta be mended," to challenging gowns, coats, slipcovers, costumes. A "maker" or sewer of fine leather gloves, she also designed and made leather hats, handbags and other unique creations. Mary took pride in her position as Buyer for the Fabric and Notions Dept. of Britt's Dept. Store for many years. When Mary and her husband Carl moved to Albany, she dearly missed daily coffee with "the Roses"; however, she soon made good friends at Colonie Terrace and later at The Massry Residence. There she typically threw herself into the creative classes and musical entertainment. One of her finest hours was her presentation at the age of 90 of her first solo show of a lifetime of oil paintings. She was delighted by and proud of the positive, even glowing, response of the residents and staff. Mom will be with the family for generations to come in the marvelous portraits and landscapes that grace our walls. Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Carl, whom she married July 24, 1938. She is also survived by daughters Carol DeSimone Margaret Murphy of East Greenbush and Stephanie Bollam Richard of Voorheesville. She is the cherished grandmother of Hillary Siebeneck Aaron J and Jeremy Bollam Rebecca; Mark and Thomas DeSimone Karin; and Michelle Zambri Liz Loucks; she is the great grandmother of four. Also surviving are her dear sisters Anne Criscuolo and Rose Licardo, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Anthony and Louis and by her beloved son Stephen with whom she shares eternal joy today. Mary died as she had lived for 92 years, considerate of her family and thanking her caregivers continuously. Her family would like to add our sincere thanks to Ann and the Hospice team, to Dr. Gary Kronick, and to the extraordinary caregivers at The Daughters of Sarah. We are also grateful to each one of the staff and residents at The Massry Residence for welcoming our parents so warmly and caring for them so wonderfully. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit with the Very Reverend Donald Czelusniak as celebrant. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. Those who wish may make a donation in Mary's memory to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd. Loudonville, NY 12211 or to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 149 South Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.