Obituary of Maria E. (Leopardi) Quattrocchi

MARIA ELIDA (LEOPARDI) QUATTROCCHIWe mourn the sudden loss of Maria E. (Leopardi) Quattrocchi, 73, of Cortland, New York who died unexpectedly on Friday, May 6, 2011 at SUNY Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, New York.She was born October 11, 1937 in Badia di Sulmona, Italy, the daughter of Carmen and Agatha (Carducci) Leopardi.Maria immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1958 where she began her career as a seamstress proudly sewing U.S. military uniforms. Having little money and no knowledge of the English language, she later moved to Cortland, New York where she laid her roots to raise her family. She continued her work as a seamstress at Crescent Corset Company for over 35 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Alberto Quattrocchi, who died in March 1993. She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Quattrocchi (Tony) Forchilli of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Helen (Edward) May of Wappingers Falls, New York, her three granddaughters, Vanessa, Marisa, and Alessia and her grandson, Eddie, her brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Teresa Leopardi of Kissimmee, Florida, her sister, Clara DAmato of Sarasota, Florida, her brother-in law and sister-in-law, Mario and Giovanna Quattrocchi of Monfalcone, Italy, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, joseph and Angela Bellardini of Livonia, Michigan, her sister-in-law Gertrude Quattrocchi of Luzern, Switzerland and several nieces and nephews, and great- nieces and nephews, in Argentina, Florida, Italy, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Switzerland, Panama, and Connecticut, all of whom held a very special place in her heart.Although widowed at the age of 55, Maria found courage and strength to learn how to drive and be the person her friends could always rely on to take care of them. Whether it was a quick run to the grocery store, a visit to the doctors office, a shopping trip to the mall or a just a ride to church, no request was ever denied. She mended hems and hearts for all.If you called her Ma, Mom, Nunz, Grandma, Nonna, Aunt Mary, Tia, Zia Maria, Zez, Mary, Marie or Maria, she would always respond with a cheerful smile and a helping hand. She will be remembered most for generously sharing her homemade tomato sauce and meatballs, lasagne, minestrone, pasta and beans, biscottis, and slippery vegetables. She wanted to make sure that no one went without a warm meal and that no one left her house without a warm smile. Life for her was about everyone else and befriending us all. Maria will never be forgotten!Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2011 at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 50 Pomeroy Street, Cortland. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, May12, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.Contributions in Marias memory may be made to:National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation3962 S. Delaware StreetEnglewood, Colorado 80110http://www.pancreaticcancerfoundation.com Dear Nancy and family, My heart is with you and your family at this time. Your tribute to your mother's life is so full of the love she shared with her family and friends. She is now back in the loving arms of her Alberto, peacefully knowing that she did such a wonderful job raising her two girls. Vi benedica tutti, and hugs, Elda Dear Helen and Nancy, Tony and Eddie - so, so very sorry for this tremendous loss. I feel so blessed to have known Nonna and will miss her dearly. All my love, thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Diana We were so very to sorry to hear of your recent loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. With Love, Christine Sinclair and Joan Johnson. HELEN EDDIE NANCY TONY AND ALL THE GRANDS.CANT BELIEVE NONA IS GONE.SHE WAS A VERY GOOD WOMAN AND WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN HER AND BEEN PART OF HER LIFE.SHE WAS ALWAYS GOOD TO MY CAITLIN!!! MAY GOD BLESS MOM NOW THAT SHE IS IN ETERNAL REST!!! ALL OF OUR LOVE