Mary Portuese

Washingtonville - Mary Portuese, a homemaker, died November 9, 2007 at home. She was 86. The daughter of Vincenzo and Assunta Caputo, she was born August 14, 1921 in the Bronx. She was a member of the New Windsor Senior Citizens. A family statement reads, "Mary, also known to us as 'Grandma Mary,' lived her life under her terms. She was devoted to her family and never hesitated to help others. She loved playing bingo and baking, especially during the holidays. Her daughter was the center of her world throughout her entire life. Her grandchildren were lucky to have had numerous wonderful years filled with many of life's lessons and an abundance of good times and laughs. Her great-grandchildren were doubly blessed to have had the opportunity to know her and spend time with her and feel her love. Mary was strong and independent and was always looked up to. She will be missed by all who knew her but she will live on in our hearts forever. Mary's family would like to thank Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, especially Jessie her aide, Christine and Doreen her nurses and Lisa her social worker for their loving care and compassion. Thanks also to John Veracas who helped Mom with her physical therapy." She was the widow of Joseph Portuese. Survivors include her daughter, JoAnn M. and her husband Philip V. Aliotta of Salisbury Mills; brothers, Orlando and his wife Vincenza Caputo of Toms River, N.J. and Albert and his wife Connie Caputo of Stony Brook, N.Y.; sister, Mafalda Portuese of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sister-in-law, Caroline Caputo; grandchildren, Christine and Vincent Cavazza of Highland, N.Y., Dina and Paul Cavazza and Vincent and Teresa Aliotta of Washingtonville; great-grandchildren, John, Danielle, Richie, Nicolina, Vincent, Anthony, Breanna, Deanna, Bridget and Molly; also many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Bronx, N.Y. Burial will be in St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary's name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Newburgh Office, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 www.hospiceoforange.com; or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 www.stjude.org. Arrangements made under the care of Thomas A. Murray of David T. Ferguson Funeral Home. 845-496-9106