Mary C. Cesare

SCHENECTADY- Mary C. Cesare, 88, went home to the Lord on Monday, December 19, 2016.

Mary Cesare was born in Schenectady, NY to the late John and Carmella DiGiandomenico on November 05, 1928. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School where she exhibited extraordinary talent as a visual artist. Mary was the dutiful, diligent, hard-working eldest daughter of a family of seven children. She was 13 years old when her father, John, passed which required Mary to carry the weight of unanticipated life responsibilities and challenges with her mother, Carmella, toward the care and growth of a gloriously loving and joyful Italian immigrant family. On July 3rd, 1949, Mary engaged in the sacrament of matrimony with Ralph Cesare as performed by the reverend Father Spina at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Their love produced three children, Paul, Mark and Lisa. Mary was relentless in her dedication, passion and devotion to her family. Her children are so grateful and blessed to have what they consider to be the greatest mother ever! Mary's staunch authenticity, credibility and capacity to grow human beings made her more than a loving mother to her children, but became a model and example of what truly matters in life. She was a teacher, not by profession, but a teacher of love, compassion and understanding. Mary reached out to everyone, the lonely, sick and homeless. There were no boundaries to her giving spirit. And what a great cook she was, and fed everyone. Preparing and sharing food with others was Mary's way of celebrating a wonderful life. She listened to everyone. And everyone walked away a little bit happier and hopeful. The word stranger didn't exist in Mary's world. She never thought of herself as brilliant or special, but as it turns out, Mary is the most brilliant and special person her children have ever known. Not only did she possess impeccable character, but Mary was also a "character." She had the incredible gift of humor and made everyone laugh. And you know what Mom, you're probably making everyone laugh in heaven with your loving personality! Mom, you were an inspiration and most powerful role model to all of us. Words cannot express our undying love for you. Mary adored and loved the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and so we dedicate this eulogy of Mary Cesare in honor to our Blessed Mother Mary who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Mary was an incredible and underrated visual artist, amazing cook, outstandingly collaborative, professional paralegal and work associate for Ellis Hospital and the State of New York Law Library, Mary volunteered her time and energy and gave out communion to shut-in's as a representative of St. Helen's Parish. For several years, Mary was an active member of a group who visited facilities for the aged and danced the jitterbug, sang songs and brought joy to our aging population. Mary made the world a better place.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Ralph Cesare.

She is survived by Paul, Mark and Cyndi Cesare, Dale and Lisa Cesare Jordan, Dillon, Carson and Wyatt Jordan, her loving grandchildren who meant the world to her, her two sisters, Linda Vernon and Connie Bruce, and her two brothers, Raymond and John DiGiandomenico.

A rosary prayer service will be held at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady, NY, 12309 on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at 9:00am with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00am. Burial will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY.