Marcella T. Liotta

Devoted mother and dear friend, of Midland Beach, 66 Marcella T. Liotta (ne Downes), 66, died Sunday night at Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze after collapsing at home. Her parents John P. Downes and Eileen T. Downes (ne Mulhall) raised their only child in Woodside, Queens after her birth in Manhattan, but spent their summers on Staten Island. She was a graduate of St. Teresa's School in Woodside, St. Michael's Academy on the west side of Manhattan, and spent a few years as an undergraduate at Marymount College in Tarrytown. On Staten Island, Downes met Janet Nagle (ne Gibbons) and Ellen Krakower who would become her lifelong friends as she made a more permanent residence in the borough. Liotta, of Midland Beach, eventually met her husband of 34 years, Louis Liotta, at Dongan Hills' Rustic Inn on Hylan Boulevard. Together they had a son, Paul Liotta, who survives them both. She became a devoted mother, and lived her life as a committed homemaker. Her enjoyments included dining out and travel, particularly to Atlantic City. Liotta's husband, parents, and dear friend, Nagle, precede her in death. In addition to her son, she is survived by Krakower, Nagle's husband, Richard Nagle, and their son, Brian. The wake will be held at Hanley Funeral Home, New Dorp, S.I., on Thursday, March 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass will be said at 9 a.m. Friday, March 10, at St. Margaret Mary R.C. Church, Midland Beach, S.I., with burial at Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Liotta's name to the American Heart Association.