Obituary of Mary Frances LaRosa

Mary Frances LaRosa passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at Saint Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on May 8, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY, Mary Frances was the daughter of Dominick and Marianina Ruggiero. Mary Frances was the proud salutatorian of the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel class of 1939. She went on to graduate from Good Counsel College in 1943 with a Business and Education degree. She taught high school business and worked in real estate before she married in 1948 and stayed home to raise a family. Mary Frances later attended The College of St. Rose and Russell Sage College to earn graduate credits for her teaching certification. She taught second grade in the South Colonie School District for 20 years, imparting her love of the arts and giving wonderful memories to her students and colleagues. Mary Frances was intelligent, talented, creative, knowledgeable, caring, and hardworking. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She enjoyed painting, art study, sewing, reading, traveling, opera, and most especially, time with her family. She was a member of Christ Our Light Church, the Italian-American Community Center, Colonie Elks, and Kuhn Seniors. Mary Frances recently joined her family's love of the Yankees, acquiring a special affection for Andy Pettitte. Mary Frances was predeceased by her devoted husband of 62 years, James J. LaRosa. She is survived by her loving children, James J. LaRosa, M.D. (Susie), Mary Anne Nolan (Mark), Thomas LaRosa (Madelyn), and Robert LaRosa, (Maryanne); cherished grandchildren Cara Calhoun (Will), Brian LaRosa, Jonathan LaRosa, Ryan Nolan, (Minh-Ha Lieu,), Sarah LaRosa, Michelle LaRosa, Anthony LaRosa, Katharine LaRosa, Selina LaRosa, and Christopher LaRosa; precious great-grandchildren, Cameron LaRosa, Andrew LaRosa, and Olivia Calhoun; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Bartholomew Ruggiero and Nancy Codella (Frank). The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Carmen Giuliano, Dr. Jonathan DeSantis, Dr. Philip Paty, Dr. Appleton Mason, and all the health professionals from their offices; Loudonville Adult Home, Community Hospice, and St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Their extraordinary care and immeasurable compassion were greatly appreciated by Mary Frances and her loved ones. Funeral 9:00 o'clock Saturday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie and 10:00 o'clock at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. in the funeral home. For those who wish, contributions may be made in Mary Frances LaRosa's memory to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205.