Maxine F. Allen Gelfuso

1931 - 2021

Maxine F. Allen Gelfuso 1931 - 2021
UTICA - Our mom, Maxine F. Allen Gelfuso, passed away May 1, 2021 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her family by her side.
She was born July 14, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY weighing only 2 lbs. 5 oz. Her mother, Lepha (Fearon) Allen, was told not to bond with her as she was not expected to live, but from the beginning she defied all odds and went on to live a long, wonderful life filled with friends, family, and much love. Maxine was raised in Pratt's Hollow and Utica, NY, graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1949.
In September 1952 she married our dad, John G. Gelfuso. They shared more than 52 years of marriage until his passing in 2005. Together they raised five children in their beloved West Utica home where everyone was welcomed.
Maxine retired from St. Luke's Memorial Hospital after over 25 years of service in the Admissions and ER Department. She was an active member of the PTA while her children attended Washington School. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a mentor at Kernan School, and was probably most proud of her title as the "hat lady", providing hats, mittens, and scarves to any student in need.
Our mom had a loving and accepting personality; this resulted in many lifelong friendships, including a special bond and friendship with her sister Margo. Mom attended Grace Church and was a longtime volunteer at the Emmaus House.
Maxine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John B. and Emmy Gelfuso; her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Dr. Charles Burns, Mary Ann and William Knapp, Janie Gelfuso and fiancé Eddie Ebbert, and Carol and Mark Sterling; her grandchildren, Jennifer and Angel, Christina, and Benjamin; Curt and Nicole, Alan and Kelly, the memory of Cassidy Fearon Knapp who passed in December 2019, Katy and Manju; Alyssa, Austin and Courtney; Elijah, Alex, Matthew, Kayla; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and her sister and brother-in-law, Margo and Stanley "Scotty" Kalwara. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, all of whom shared a special bond with mom; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and sister-in-law, Barbara Allen. She was predeceased by her brother, Melvin Allen; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Anthony and Laura Gelfuso.
We would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Masonic Care Community for the love and care they provided our mom.
Private services for our Mom will be held at the convenience of our family with interment beside our Dad in Calvary Cemetery to follow. Please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in her name if you so choose.
During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Maxine's family through the "Memories" section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.
This obituary was lovingly written by Maxine's family.