Grace U. Charney, age 92, of Gifford Road, passed away May 26, 2009, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, after a brief illness, with her loving family at her side.
She was born August 20, 1916, in Rome, a daughter of Leonard and Rosaria Battaglia Urso, and graduated from Rome Free Academy and Oswego Normal School. She had intended to attend her 70th year class reunion at Oswego, on June 6, 2009. Grace was united in marriage to Michael Charney on December 21, 1940, at St. Peter's-St. Paul's Church in Utica; he died July 20, 2001. She was a teacher and taught in Steuben Schools, Seifert Corners School and later in the Rome City School District, retiring in 1973. She was a member of St. Mary's Church.
Grace was a very active lady. She was an active member of the Retired Teachers Association, and loved playing bridge and exercising in the Tai Chi classes at the Senior Center. During the summer, Grace would be found either working in her flower garden or her vegetable garden.
Grace is survived by a daughter and son in law, Patricia Ann and Gary Coe of Wallace, NC; two sons and daughters in law, Michael R. "Ron" and Joan Charney of Hinesburg, VT, and Leonard "Len" and Bonnie Charney of Westernville; a sister, Catherine "Kate" Gardner of South Windsor, CT; a brother and sister in law, Vito and Antoinette "Toni" Urso of Rome; 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by three sisters, Anna Profera, Mary Urso and Josephine Urso.
A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 6. 2009, at 10:00 AM, at St. Mary's Church.
Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Friday, June 5, 2009, from 4 to 7 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jervis Public Library.