Mary G. Lapetina

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 .

Click here to view Mary’s resting place in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, New York (zip code Albany, NY 12205).