Obituary of Mary Muccigrosso

Mary Catherine Muccigrosso, 81, of Guilderland, NY, passed away, at home, on March 24, 2012. Born July 21, 1930 in Elmira, NY, Mary Catherine (Reagan) was the daughter of the late Catherine (McCarthy) and Daniel Reagan. She graduated from Southside High School and St. Joseph's Hospital Nursing School, both in Elmira, NY. She worked as an RN at St. Joseph's Hospital, and at hospitals in Pensacola, Jacksonville & Key West, Florida while her husband, Angelo, whom she married on September 13, 1952, served in the Navy. She continued her nursing career at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, NY while Angelo attended college. Mary Catherine and Angelo moved to Schenectady in 1957 where he began a career with GE and she worked as a homemaker. Mary Catherine was a wonderful wife and mother who demonstrated the same caring and healing skills from her nursing career, in her love and support for her family. Her love of children led her to become a volunteer at a day care center and she enjoyed every baby, wobbler and toddler she met. A strong advocate for the mentally ill, she served for many years co-leading support groups for family members of the mentally ill. Survivors include her loving husband of 59 years, Angelo T. Muccigrosso, son Paul of Albany, NY, daughter Diane of Guilderland, NY and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Reagan. A 22 year survivor of breast cancer, Mary Catherine courageously battled lung cancer with dignity, grace and humor. The family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent care and compassion provided by Hospice as well as the staff at New York Oncology, Riverview Rd, Rexford, and all of Mary Catherine's home-based caregivers. We would like to give special thanks to Erica, her private nurse, and Brittany, her home health aide. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday March 27, 6 to 8 pm at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St, Schenectady. Funeral services will be Wednesday March 25, 9:15 from Daly Funeral Home, and then to St. Helens Church 1803 Union St, Schenectady, where at 10:00 am a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Bob Longobucco, Pastor. Interment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Schenectady. In keeping with her wishes, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Mary Catherine's memory are asked to contribute to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 (donations.communityhospice.org) or to Columbia University Medical Center, Development Office, Schizophrenia Research, 100 Haven Ave, Suite 29D, NY, NY 10032.