Obituary of Marie A. Giardino

Marie A. Giardino Marie A. Giardino, 76, of Rome, entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 9, 2010, at home with her family by her side, after fighting a brave three and a half year battle with cancer. She was born in Rome, N.Y. on December 8, 1933, daughter of the late, Gaetano and Assunta Carletta Grifasi. Marie attended Rome Schools and was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. On June 20, 1953, she married Louis T. Giardino Sr., in St. John the Baptist Church, a blessed union of 57 years. Mrs. Giardino was a member of St. Mary's Church. Proverbs 12:24: "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed." Our mother believed in this statement. She worked extremely hard all her life to make sure our wants and needs were always met. Marie started her career as an employee of the former Oneida County Hospital. Together with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law, they owned Pat and Lou's Variety for 14 years while raising three boys. Marie retired from Rome Hospital, Physical Therapy Department. Throughout her working career she made many life long friendships. Marie was always close to the people whom she worked with. As a wife, she spent 57 loving years with her devoted husband, and they were always by each others side. It was a partnership that lasted a lifetime. Louis stood by her side throughout her illness, which inspired us all. Marie's sons wanted to pay tribute to her toughness and character. Her long fight with cancer was due to her iron will to live. Our mother was honest and shot straight from the hip. She demanded toughness that would be her foundation she gave to us. She demanded and expected respect from all of her family. Our mother led us through difficult times in our lives. We will miss her honesty and guidance. We love you mom! Surviving besides her husband Lou, are three sons and a daughter-in-law, Louis T. Giardino Jr., Larry and LaRae Giardino, and Lenny Giardino, all of Rome; eight grandchildren that she adored, Brandon Giardino, Flagstaff, AZ., Heather Giardino, Middletown, CT., Aubrey Carletta and Briana Carletta, Sonita Giardino, Louis Thomas Giardino III, Caden Giardino, Caleb Giardino, all of Rome. Also surviving are brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Carla Grifasi, Laguna Nigel, CA., Ned and Sandra Grifasi, Sam and Toni Grifasi, Jim and Marie Grifasi, and Betty Grifasi, a brother-in-law, Patsy Calandra, all of Rome. She has many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins throughout the city, state and country. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank Grifasi, and a sister, Grace Calandra. Marie is also survived by a large extended family. She loved everyone with all of her heart. Marie also has numerous "adopted children" throughout the country. They will know the kindness meant behind this statement. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Hematology and Oncology Associates of Rome and Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. of New Hartford for their care and compassionate shown to Marie. Funeral services will be held on Monday, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church where friends are invited to attend. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc. 218 W. Court St., on Sunday, from 3-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, Rome Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1500 N. James St., Rome, NY 13440 or Relay for Life of Rome NY.