Franze, Mary (Degiule)
AVERILL PARK — Mary (Degiule) Franze peacefully ended her journey on earth surrounded by her family on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. She was well prepared to meet our Lord and welcomed the thought of being with her predeceased loved ones.
Mary was born in Rensselaer on January 3, to Angelo and Maria (Bender) Degiule. Upon high school graduation from St. John’s Academy, she worked for Rensselaer County, the N.Y.S. Capitol and the General Aniline. Fate brought her to her devoted and loving husband Salvatore A. Franze of 71 years. Together they raised five children, V. Mark Franze (Cindy), Christine Desorbo (John), Mary June Roy (Jerry), Judy Franze Tewey (Leo), Michael Franze (Mary). Mary was always there for her children, participating in the PTA, acting as a Girl Scout leader, caring for their various pets through the years and numerous other activities. For years she also assisted Sal in the family business.
Mary was a fun-loving, caring and outgoing individual. Among her many talents, she was an avid tennis player, earned her basketball "letter" in high school, sang and acted in plays, sewed, ballroom and square danced and loved to whistle. In later years she enjoyed arts and crafts. We can picture Mary square dancing with Sal around the clouds as we write. She had a "larger than life" presence that won’t be forgotten.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, parents and siblings, Dora Cummings, Louise Degiule and Bernhardt Degiule. She is survived by her five children, grandchildren: Jeannine, Douglas, Jennifer, John Blake and Jaclyn, along with five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her sister, Genevieve Degiule; and sister-in-law Joan Degiule.
A note of deep gratitude must be given to her daughter Mary June and her husband Jerry Roy for the difficult task of home care for Mary and Sal for over the last five years.
Mary’s family also wishes to express a special thanks to all the medical staff, volunteers and the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County for all of their support and assistance. To Father Thomas Holmes and Linda Banker of St. Henry’s Church for their guidance, support and laughter.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the viewing, Mass and burial will be private. Mary’s life will be celebrated when travel and socializing are possible. Mary Franze’s funeral Mass will be available via livestream on St. Henry’s Church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ St-henrys-catholic-churchaverill-park-ny-113732580 272572 on Friday afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mary may be made to Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY, 12144.
Online condolences may be offered at wjlyonsfuneralho me.com