Marie J. Rocca, left our world on June 5, 2012, surrounded by her family in the home where she was born on September 14, 1932.
Marie was the daughter of the late Leland and Blanche (Maybee) Barry. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Peter P. Rocca, her children and their spouses, Susan and Liston Willard of Hermon; Stephen and Dana Rocca of Tangerine, FL; Deborah and Thomas Bailey of Ormond Beach, FL; her sister, Helen Harley of Hutchinson Island, FL; six grandchildren, Andrew Willard, Kristie, Jason and Dylan Rocca, Samantha McCarthy and Barry Bailey and great-grandchildren, Garrett and Ryan Willard; William, Sydney, Abigail and Morgan McCarthy; Taylor and Andrew Bailey.
Marie graduated from Knox-Memorial Central School in Russell in 1949 and Watertown School of Commerce in 1950. She married Peter P. Rocca on February 17, 1951, at St. Mary’s Rectory in Canton. Marie worked at Clifton Mines before her marriage; she was active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, when her children were young. She served the cooperative extension board of directors, served on the Russell Town Board, and had been the Town of Russell Historian for many years. She was instrumental in revitalizing the Russell Museum when she became historian. After her children were grown, Marie owned and operated Marie’s Fabric’s for 20 years in a building near her home.
Marie had also been active in the Knox-Memorial Alumni Association most of her life. Marie worked with two young men on their Eagle Scout projects building the gazebo and restoring a cemetery in the town of Russell. She was a devoted, wife, mother, grandmother and special friend to many. She loved her flowers, watching the birds and deer around the farm, making maple syrup, playing cards, camping and annual family trips to Maine. Marie was an avid photographer and served as honorary photographer for the St. Lawrence Valley Draft Horse Club for many years.
Friends may call at the O’Leary Funeral Home, US Hwy 11; Canton from 1-3pm on Friday, June 8, with a funeral service to follow at 3pm. There will be a reception at the Hermon Fire Hall immediately after the funeral.
Donation in her memory may be made to the Russell Museum, P. O. Box 582; Russell, NY 13684 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US Hwy 11; Potsdam, NY 13676.
Condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.