Mary G. Serafini

Mary Guistina Serafini passed peacefully on November 10, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was 101.  The matriarch of our family is now united with her beloved and adoring husband Nicholas G. Serafini, Sr.  Her children Anna S. Heisel (George) and Nicholas G. Serafini, Jr. (Mary) mourn her passing yet celebrate a life well lived. 
Mary is also survived by her brother Nicholas Tinari. She was predeceased by her parents, Giuseppe and Serafina Tinari, several brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nieces and nephews.
 “Nonna's" pride and joy were her four grandsons, Christian J. Mehringer {Seema), Nino J. Serafini (Sarah), Dr. Nicholas J. Serafini (Jennifer) and Joseph A. Serafini (Amy).  The frosting on Nonna's cake of life was her seven great grandchildren, twins Baiju and Alexander Mehringer, Olivia, Vince, Roman, Georgie and Mia Serafini.
Born and raised in Casacanditella, Italy on October 6,1921, Mary enjoyed a wonderful childhood in her idyllic small town. At an early age she became very involved with the Catholic church, sewing priests’ vestments and serving on the altar. She also played a large role in rural medicine by assisting the town's doctor and providing follow up care, thus establishing one of her favorite phrases," I'm my own doctor!" 
Mary came to America solo at the age of 19 aboard the steamer" Rex." Her first sight of the Statue of Liberty gave birth to an ardent patriotism that grew year by year in her adopted country. Greeted at the pier by her father and uncle, she was whisked away to her new home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
She immediately began working as a seamstress, shortly establishing her own design label for her dress creations and a new boutique was founded. Her talent was noticed by sisters of her soon-to-be husband who told Nick that he had to go to Philadelphia to meet this girl. He did!
In February 1946 Mary and Nick met for the first time and were married one week later. Mary quickly established herself as an ideal homemaker in Binghamton, New York. She loved cooking, sewing, gardening, dancing, music, travel, entertaining and the New York Yankees. Mary and Nick delighted in opening their home to family and friends. 
Mary's life revolved around her husband, the love of her life, but she had enormous love and devotion for her two children. During their school days, she was present at every school event and was the loudest cheerleader at sporting activities. Her words of encouragement knew no bounds, and her old world Italian wisdom was a readily available guide. She often said that friends were very important and like plants, they needed to be showered with love and appreciation. Mary and Nick loved to travel, especially to surprise destinations on weekend jaunts. Florida was a favorite winter destination, and after Nick's passing she continued to spend winters on the beach sharing love, laughter, libation and linguine with her Florida friends. 
Mary's religious faith was the crown of her life, and her devotion to the Blessed Virgin legendary, always the subject of her nightly prayers. Hers was a familiar face at Sunday mass at St. Mary's Church first pew and she received great comfort in communal prayers and singing after stopping to light candles for her many special intentions. 
Her church, her family, her Italian heritage, all parts of what made Mary unique. She worked lovingly to pass on her beliefs to her family. She was a wonderful and gracious woman and will be missed beyond words. Now she is joyously reunited with her adoring Nick and will undoubtedly make her mark in Heaven.
Special thank you to loving neighbors Marge Menart and Robert O'Brien, the wonderful Brookdale Vestal West community, and Dr. John Perry.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 11am at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Binghamton.  The family will receive friends from 9am to 11am at the church.  Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. 
In honor of a special woman remembrances may be directed to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 37 Fayette St. Binghamton, NY 13901 or Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760. Arrangements are in the care of Albert J. DeMarco. 

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