ALBANY – Mary Gaffney Lapetina, 88, died at St. Peter’s Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Albany, on Monday, June 13, 2011. Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, Mary was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Gaffney. Mary graduated from Vincentian Institute and the College of St. Rose, where she received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. She always had a special affinity for the college and served in a number of capacities over the years, including as a member of the Board of Trustees. She taught for two years at Vincentian Institute grade school before becoming an elementary teacher in the City of Albany Public school system for over 25 years. She will be remembered for the warmth of her smile, her enjoyment of life and her love for her family and friends.
She was the cherished wife for 63 years of Joseph M. Lapetina and loving mother of Mauro (Susan) Lapetina, Mary Meister (Christopher) Bartkowski, Rose (James) Sherin, and Katherine (Cammy) Better. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Elizabeth, Michael, and Andrew Lapetina, Mary (Scott) Doehla and Eric Meister, Christopher (Claire) Sherin and Laura Sherin, Joseph, Samuel and Katherine Better. Also survived by 4 great grandchildren and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, James and Angelina Rovelli, as well as her niece and nephew and their families. She was predeceased by her son, Joseph P. Lapetina.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff at the St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, for the wonderful care they gave our mother.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 17 at 9:30 a.m. at The Parish of Mater Christi (formerly St. Catherine of Siena), Hurst Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Avenue, Albany, N.Y. on Thursday, June 16, from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, or the College of St. Rose, Office of Alumni Relations, 432 Western Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Brian Dow
June 15, 2011 at 8:24 amMauro and family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers will be with you and your family!
Brian Dow
Hazel Gander and Laurie Viscusi
June 15, 2011 at 11:10 amWe have many happy memories of Mary from Philip Schuyler Elementary School. Mary always had a funny story, or comment , to make any difficult day feel lighter. Our prayers are with all of her family. May she rest in peace.
Kathy McCabe
June 15, 2011 at 12:16 pmCammy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please share my condolences with your family.
Kathy McCabe
Shannon Hickman
June 16, 2011 at 6:23 amMauro – my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mother. My prayers and thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
Shannon Hickman
Harold and Nancy Brockman
June 16, 2011 at 12:05 pmMauro and Susan,
We never had the honor of meeting your mother. She must have been a special lady.
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We shall pray for the repose of her soul, as well as for your intentions.
Mary and Tom Golden and Family
June 16, 2011 at 12:53 pmOur deepest sympathy to you, Joe and your family. Mary will always have a fond place in our hearts.
Suk-Joung Kahng
June 16, 2011 at 3:04 pmMauro and family,
Please accept my sincere condoIences on the loss of your beloved mother. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and family!
Sincerely,
SJ
Lee Ryan
June 16, 2011 at 7:22 pmMary: So sorry to hear this news. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Jim Bradley
June 17, 2011 at 5:21 amRose & Family:
My deepest sympathies for you loss.
Jim Bradley
Rose, Jim, & family,
June 17, 2011 at 5:38 pmTim & I were so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. No doubt with that wonderful big family of yours, you have shared some memories of the times that she advised, disciplined, opined, laughed, threatened, and cried with each of you. These are the cherished treasures of memory that will keep her alive in your hearts, and will help to dull the loss you feel right now. May God give you comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead. Be assured of our prayers for the repose of her soul and for all of you.
Ann Marie & Tim Spellman