Mary Ann Musacchio Barone

Mary Ann Musacchio Barone, 93, gently passed away on Aug. 10, 2011, holding the hand of her son as she had always done throughout his life.

Mary was the youngest girl of 12 children, learning at a very tender age how to survive. She labored on the family"s onion farm in Canastota, N.Y. until she met her future husband, Sam, moved to Newburgh, N.Y., and raised two sons.

She could never stop working and spent many years as a laborer in coat, dress and pocketbook factories. Her toiling on the farm precluded her going to school. Learning to read became an adult pursuit for her and one she proudly accomplished.

She and Sam retired to St. Augustine, Fla. After his passing in 1994, her survival skills sharpened. She became outgoing and eminently resourceful. Her previous commitment to her Sam was surprisingly supplanted by an intense interest in meeting new people, exploring the campground near her home and learning to manage her household independently.

Her legacy is one of commitment, capacity for change, ability to thrive despite great adversity and, above all, hopefulness. She even had a plan for her passing, waiting to complete her 64 years of marriage here on Aug. 9, 2011, before joining her Sam.

Above all, she was a non-demanding soul who needed nothing more than a glass of water with lemon to bring uncomplicated joy to her countenance.

Arrangements entrusted to Ahern Funeral Home, Unionville, Conn.