Livonia, NY: At age 96, Mary passed peacefully on April 16, 2021 at the MM Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua , NY. She was born on March 4, 1925 in Buffalo NY to the late Frank and Jennie (Gugino) Muscato. Survived by son George (Sandy) Harvey; grandchildren, Kristin (Pedro) Citan, Tim (Penny) Hensler, Carol (Mike) Dotterweich, and Christine Hensler; 9 great-grandchildren; brother William (Barbara) Muscato; many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Mary graduated from Hemlock School and later joined the Women’s Air Force during the Korean Conflict. She always enjoyed being with family, being “Grandma Mary” and always had a faithful pet by her side. Mary had a variety of careers. One of her first was as a telephone operator. She worked many years for Taylor Instrument calibrating barometers. Other jobs included making circuit boards for Cunningham Corp. and as a machinist for Gleason Works and Crosman Arms. Her favorite position was doing detailed craft work part-time for Smidgens in Lima, which she did until she was 90. Along the way she also went to nursing school and was an LPN nurse. In her spare time she was a talented artist and known for her cross stitch creations. One of her joys was creating cross stitch pictures, bookmarks and ornaments which she generously gave to family and friends.
A private graveside service will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Livonia NY. Memorials may be made in her memory to the Livonia Rotary Club, PO Box 307, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.
Mary was one of the most amazing people we ever met. She started working at Smidgens when she retired from her many other careers. She was tough, inspirational and had a great sense of humor. She was with us right from the beginning of our business and I don’t think we could have done all we did without her. We were only in our 20’s at the time and needed all the help we could get. Mary had an internal strength and drive we all learned from. We share her love for animals and always have dogs & cats running around at work. Her talents were many and we cherish the many creations she gifted to us over the years. The calico cats she painted on rocks are on our entertainment center and the cross stich she did of our cat Charlie back in 1995 hangs in our kitchen. We are so grateful we were able to visit her in Canandaigua right before Covid hit. It did our hearts good to see her laughing, painting, and enjoying waffles with ice cream and warm apples. Everyone at Smidgens will miss you Mary. You taught us many life lessons and we will always be grateful for your part in our business and our lives.
Tonight I have a glass of wine and watch the Carol Burnett Show. Gramma and I loved watching it together when it felt like late at night. We used to walk the road and pick wildflowers. She was quite the independent woman, especially for her time. I was blessed to have her as a Gramma.
Loved hearing about her furry companions all their antics. I could hear her smile if she wasn’t sitting with me in the office. Have been missing our little chats. She was a wonderful lady and admired her immensely. God bless her. Until we meet again!! Fly high!!
Bob and I have known Mary since we moved on our road and the old Muscato homestead in 1968. May was a neighbor toward Livonia Center in a little house.
When she started at Smidgens in Lima, we would see her going by and she really enjoyed working there..
Our condolences, George and family. Rest in Peace, Mary.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you, George, and your entire family.
Thank you, Aunt Mary. Thank you for all the holidays and Sunday dinners that you made very special growing up. You were a wonderful aunt and I am so blessed to have known you. Peace be with you in heaven.
My deepest condolences to all Mary’s family and friends. She was so proud of and loved working for Smidgen. We spoke of it often. I miss meeting her around town and chatting. A very lovely person. RIP Mary.
Rest in peace, Aunt Mary. You will always be fondly remembered.