MECHANICVILLE - Mary J. Canonica, lifelong resident of Mechanicville, died Monday, July 16th at Schuyler Ridge, 3 days after celebrating her 103rd birthday.
Born in Mechanicville, July 13, 1915, daughter of the late Michael and Christine Carriero LaVigna, Mary was a homemaker, who over the years held a number of jobs, including cook at Ada’s Diner, Barclay Home Products, Strand Mills and Korell, and as a cocktail waitress at the former Jamaica Inn and the Tradewinds.
She was a member of the Italian Fraternal Society’s Ladies Auxiliary, helped with the Assumption Feast activities over the years, was an ace leadoff thrower for the Bocce Ball teams she played on, and bowled for years with the WIBC bowling league.
An accomplished craftsperson, Mary loved making arts and crafts, was a wonderful seamstress for family and friends, and was a member of Assumption-St. Paul Church and the Rosary Altar Society.
Mary’s life was fulfilled with the presence of her family, especially her granddaughters and their great grandkids.
Her husband of 62 years, Salvatore died April 1st, 1999. She was also predeceased by sons in law Jeffrey D. Holmes and Michael Cavotta, siblings Peter, Patrick and Frank LaVigna, Christine Parente and Margaret Gemmiti.
Survivors include her son Michael and Annette Canonica of the Villages, Fla and daughter Nancy Holmes of Mechanicville, along with joyfully being Nana to Michele and Scott Friedman of Plattsburgh, Dr. Nancy and Dr. Colin Morton of Ballston Lake and Chrissy and Jenn Cavotta of Cohoes. Also granny to Alexander (Donyel King) and Isabelle Friedman, Carter and Cameron Morton and Ryan Muscato, her sister Connie Guidarelli of Schenectady and sister in law Paula Canonica.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 1 PM at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 121 No. Main St., Mechanicville, with burial to follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Calling hours at the Church Thursday from 10 AM till 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Schuyler Ridge Activity Fund in loving memory of Mary J, Canonica.
Mary’s family kindly thanks the staff of Schuyler Ridge, especially the nurses and aides in Ensign Point, who over the past 5 years, provided never ending tender care, compassion and concern for Mary and her family.