Mary Strano Vujcec's Obituary
Mary Strano Vujcec, 92, from Syracuse, NY, peacefully passed on Friday August 19, 2022 in California. She was in the loving care and company of her family. Born on the North Side of Syracuse on November 5, 1929, Mary was the daughter of Francesco Strano and Vincenza (Vecchio), both originally from Linguaglossa, Sicily. She was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church.
An active member in the penmanship and volleyball clubs, Mary graduated from Prescott School and North High School, class of 1947, retaining many friendships. She enjoyed traveling with friends to New York City, catching the latest sights, Broadway shows and, her favorite - cheesecake at Lindy’s. Throughout her life, she traveled across the country and overseas with her children and other family.
Having worked secretarial positions at Onondaga Wholesale Grocery and Column Acoustical, Mary later treasured a long and successful career as the lead receptionist for IBM, Syracuse Headquarters. Lovingly nicknamed “The Voice of IBM” by colleagues, Mary was awarded the prestigious IBM Means Service Award for her outstanding commitment to the company.
Mary loved flowers, gardening outdoors and creating beautiful arrangements. She honed a natural artistic talent via china painting. An incredible cook, her eggplant parmigiana and meatballs were favorites amongst family and friends. Mary loved music and dance, and with an enormous heart, generous spirit, and constant kindness, touched all whom she met.
A devoted wife and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary was married in 1958 to Steve P. Vujcec (deceased 1999) of Youngstown, Ohio. They had three children and she lived for more than 50 years on Primrose Lane, North Syracuse. In addition to her parents, she is pre-deceased by her brother John J. Strano. Mary is survived by her children, Virginia Vujcec Ruff (Paul), Stephen Vujcec (Mary Lynn) and Carolyn (Caris) Vujcec; grandchildren Brianna Lane (Stuart), Jacquelyn Vujcec, Brendan Vujcec (Hannah Metcalf), Victoria Ruff and Owen Ruff; three great grandchildren, Austin, Julia, and Wyatt; sister-in-law Mary Rose Strano; many loving nieces, nephews, and six grand-dogs.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St., Syracuse, NY on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 11 am. The family will be available from 10:15-10-45 am to receive and share thoughts about Mary. She will be laid to rest privately in Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum.
To attend the mass remotely, please visit Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Facebook page at 11 am Friday.
Donations may be made in Mary’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org/donate.
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