Anna Marie "Abby" (Pietrafesa) Bahouth's Obituary
Anna Marie “Abby” (Pietrafesa) Bahouth, 97, of Syracuse, took peaceful leave of this world on March 13, 2017 among family at the Francis House.
She was born on October 9, 1919 in Syracuse. A lifelong Syracusan, she attended The Convent School and Syracuse University.
Abby was a fashionista before the term was coined. Legendary designer Bonnie Cashin, an Abby friend, said “Chic is where you find it.” In Syracuse, chic found itself beside Abby. Her discernment in antiques, art, clothing and design was unmatched. As was her ability to spot trends. In 1966, she became a then-rare female entrepreneur. While others flocked to the suburbs, Abby opened Mia Boutique with her sister in law, Hermine Bahouth, transforming an aging James Street Italianate townhouse into a King’s Road-style salon. Bright pink bags led to the hot pink front door. Clothes from Geoffrey Beene, Versace and Pucci (who offered Abby a job) hung on chains rather than racks. Friends and customers used to gather in the kitchen of the salon for coffee and lunch. Abby’s sharp eye, as a trendsetter, introduced Cashin and Joan Vass to Syracuse long before they topped the fashion mags. She donated many items from those days to the Genet Collection at Syracuse University. As clientele shifted in the 90’s she reinvented the store as an interior design haven, inviting customers to “revisit “ Mia’s James Street Carriage House. Later, sensing a change in habit, she returned to clothing, hosting Worth/Carlisle trunk shows in her inimitable, personal style.
In 2013, Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts honored Abby for her fashion contributions to Syracuse, a benefit for Crouse’s Breast Health Center.
In addition to her artistry, gifts and talents, Abby was inspired by nature and in turn was a tremendous inspiration. She was a teacher and guide to young people or anyone younger than herself. One of her greatest attributes, she could have a conversation with anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity or culture. Brimming with warmth and humor she was considered a marvelous and fabulous legend for her time.
She is predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Louise (Delmonico) Pietrafesa, and her siblings Robert, Richard and Elizabeth (Jones). She was married to Frank Bahouth, Jr. (deceased) for 35 years.
Abby is survived by four children: Candace of Somerset, England, Mark of Syracuse, Peter and his wife, Katherine M. Barringer of Atlanta, GA, and Lisa of Los Angeles, CA; one grandson, a great-granddaughter, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral mass will follow in mid-May. In lieu of flowers, Abby would appreciate donations to the Francis House, 108 Michael’s Ave., Syracuse, N.Y., 13208.
Abby was timeless….
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