Obituary of Marie Joann Claps

Marie Joann Claps Marie Joann Claps, daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Butch) Claps, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at theSitrin Home, New Hartford, N.Y. She was born on Nov.11, 1940 and was of the Catholic faith receiving her Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome. Marie always enjoyed visiting the Catholic Shrines in Canada when her mother was coordinator of the trips. Marie was a special person with disabilities and was active in the programs and activities provided by DDSO and ARC. Through her mother's efforts Marie attended various schools and had a special tutor at home where she learned to read. She loved the Bride magazine and her favorite color was purple. She had an amazing memory. Marie loved going to Bingo with her mother, meeting people, always remembering their names and greeting them with hugs and kisses. Marie loved country and western music, especially Elvis and would play her records constantly. Her needs were always provided for her by her parents until their passing. Marie had a special friend, Anne Anania, who cared for her during her mother's absence. After her mother's passing, Marie became a resident at the DDSO House on Lawrence St. for 12 years where she had many friends, including Joann Stackloso, an aide, who befriended Marie and cared for her. Marie is survived by her Natale cousins who were involved in overseeing her care: Mary Greco, Rome; Palma and Nicholas Perfido, Westfield, Mass, and Connie Festa, N. Syracuse, N.Y. Also surviving Marie, are her aunt Grace Kohlepp,Utah; Mary K, Helen Ann and Michael Swerediuk, Rome; Frank, Catherine and John Santoro, Conn.; Norma, Candy and Carl Butch and her Claps family cousins.In addition to her parents Marie was predeceased by her special aunt Helen Natale, Rose Natale Swerediuk and Helen Natale Santoro, uncle Louis Butch and uncle Carl Butch, Sr. To have known Marie you had to love her for all her hugs and kisses. She will always remain in our hearts. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., on Monday from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, P.O. Box 658, Monroe, N.Y. 10949-0658 or St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, N.Y. 13440. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com