Verna Mae DeStefano

Verna Mae DeStefano
December 25, 2024
Verna Mae (Sampaolesi) DeStefano, 88, of Syracuse, passed peacefully in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday. She was a native and life resident of Syracuse. Verna graduated from North High in 1954. She was employed by Bristol Myers where she worked in the fixed assets accounting department before her retirement in 1994. Verna was a member of the Lakeland Senior and St. Daniels Wisdom People groups, St. Theresa Society, a member of the Bristol Myers golfing and bowling leagues, and a volunteer of the Francis House. She enjoyed her time golfing, volunteering, having luncheons with the girls from North High, spending time with her family and friends and their pets, Vinny, Chester, Sasha, Ollie, Remi, Molly, and Snoopy. Verna was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, James J. in 2008, and her two sisters, Edith Santola and Susan Carrioggia. She is survived by her three children, Rosemarie (Robert) McMahon, Patricia (Francis) Geremia, and Nicholas DeStefano; her sister, Bertha Canino; her five grandchildren, Erica, Antonio (Kate), Francesca, Jimmy and Natalie and several nieces and nephews. The family would love to express their gratitude to the doctors and the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital. Calling hours will be 9 am to 10 am Tuesday at the Carter Funeral Home, 1604 Grant Blvd, Syracuse, followed by a Celebration of Life. Verna will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse, N.Y.