Mary L. Kaffo

1922 - 2022

Kaffo, Mary L. GUILDERLAND Mary L. Kaffo of Guilderland, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 27, 2022, four days shy of her 100th birthday. She was born on July 1, 1922, in Scranton, Pa. to Joseph A. and Catherine B. Kaffo. After graduating from high school in Scranton, she and her twin sister Louise, set off to New York City and nursing school at St. Vincent's Hospital. Upon graduation, they both enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS Consolation in both World War II and the Korean War. They were both discharged with the rank of lieutenant commander. They returned to New York, and attended St. John's University where they received bachelor's degrees in nursing. Mary taught nursing to high school students until she suddenly lost her eyesight at the age of 40. Her strong Catholic faith would sustain her through many challenges thereafter. To be closer to family, Mary and Louise moved to Guilderland in 1977. She was a daily communicant at St. Francis Chapel and a longtime parishioner of Christ the King Church. She was also a member of the Albany Council of Catholic Nurses. Louise and Mary were blessed by the friendship of Sue Griffiths, Mary Jo Batters and Sheila Adams whose love and support allowed them to live independently at home. Their care for Mary after Louise's passing in 2019 has been extraordinary. Mary is survived by her twin nieces, Mary Ann Gentile (Richard) of Connecticut and Kathleen Lontine (John) of Alabama. She is also survived by one grandniece, four grandnephews, and two great-grandnieces. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Louise; her sister, Joan Ruane; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Ruane. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Christ the King Church on Sumter Avenue in Guilderland on Saturday at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may also call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Saturday prior to the Mass from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Catherine's Cemetery in Moscow, Pa. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.