Mary Ann Fernandez passed away after a long illness at Our Lady of Peace in Lewiston, N.Y. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY to Joseph and Mary Donofro on December 8, 1936.
Mary Ann was a well-respected business woman in Western NY as the owner of Celenza Florist which she established in 1970. She served many customers with creativity and elegance for more than 43 years. A talented designer, she earned the reputation as the best florist around because of her artistic acumen, her careful attention to detail and the manner in which she and her staff treated her loyal patrons. “The customer is always right”, was her mantra. This philosophy afforded her the ability to build a business that contributed greatly to the Pine Avenue business community where she was a fixture and a model of a true family business woman. She was a trailblazer-a woman who proficiently balanced work and lovingly cared for her family.
Mary Ann was pre-deceased by her husband Louis J. Fernandez as well as by her siblings Joseph, Virginia and Paul Donofro and Barbara Pucci.
She was adored by her four children; Lyn Dyster, Ph.D. (Dr. John Dyster) of Lewiston, NY; Michael Celenza (Jennifer Ganier) of Los Angeles, CA, Mark Celenza (Angela Signorelli) of Raleigh, N.C. and Matthew Celenza (Pamela) of Los Angeles, CA. She was treasured by her grandchildren Stephanie Celenza Kinberg, Gabrielle Celenza, Maria Celenza Hunt, Nicole Celenza, Matteo Celenza, Michael Celenza and Luca Celenza; great grandchildren Brady and Gemma Kinberg; brother-in-law Jack Pucci; step children Laura Tarnow, Jim Fernandez, Barbara Fleming and their families. She was a cherished aunt to the Celenza, Vendrillo, Donofro and Pucci families.
The family is truly grateful for the care given to Mary Ann by the staff at Our Lady of Peace, especially her dedicated aide Loretta and nurses Jackie, Samantha and Sally who tended to her during her final months.
A Mass of Christian Burial Funeral will be held at 10 am on August 19, 2023 at Saint Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, N.Y. The family will be present prior to the service beginning at 9 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Niagara University, 5795 Lewiston Road, Niagara University, N.Y. 14109. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.SERVICES
Visitation
Saturday, August 19, 2023
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
St. Joseph Church
1413 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Funeral Service
Saturday, August 19, 2023
10:00 AM
St. Joseph Church
1413 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
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