On the evening of July, 18th, 2020, I lost my best friend and role model, my mother, Maria Gianfrancesco, of Plattekill. She passed away surrounded by the family she loved and who loved her dearly. Due to a short and painful battle with cancer.
She passed in the same manner she lived her life, placing the needs and concern for others before herself. Maria was an incredible woman who spoke volumes through her grace and kindness. She was petite, quiet, kind, gentle, humble, simple, never envious and placed no value whatsoever on material things. She could also be a little stubborn continuing to shovel snow, rake leaves, trim hedges and walk on an icy driveway well into her eighties, even when it presented a major safety risk. She lived her life with basic principles family, faith, love and morality.
Family Statement: Mama, as she was affectionately called, you have been such a special gift to our family. May all the pain you experienced be replaced with the love we feel for you. You have left your footprints in our hearts forever. It was an honor to care for you in your hour of need.
Born in Cantalupo, Italy, on May 23, 1928 to Luigi and Adolorata DiRe. She was the widow of Michael Gianfrancesco, who predeceased her in 2006.
Survivors include her devoted daughter Mena Zapata and son-in-law Rolando Zapata, whom she loved like a son, her treasured grandchildren Rolando and Juliana, whom she loved more than life and they regarded her as their “Angel on Earth”. A sister Aurelia Gianfrancesco of Canada, niece and nephew Camilla and Tony Maciocia of Plattekill and their daughters Adele Carey and Annamaria Maciocia. Thank you for always thinking of her, it is very much appreciated by our family. Three additional nieces, and several grandnieces and grandnephews in Canada and New York.
Thank you to the staff of Hudson River Community Health in Walden. To Dr. Sumitra, thank you for providing quality, compassionate care and addressing all our concerns with sincerity. To the “Gem” that is nurse Linda Dolson, for your countless years of never failing to go beyond what was required and offering your assistance at all times. Carol and Shayla for always being so helpful. To the entire staff of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan – thank you. To Kelly and Stacie Fosler, thank you for being there in our darkest hours. To Robyn Smith thank you for the care you provided my mother.
If you placed a phone call, offered to help in anyway, prayed for Maria, please know that we are extremely grateful.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Rt. 32, Plattekill, NY, followed by Entombment at the Cedar Hill Garden Mausoleum, Rt. 9W, Newburgh.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh.