In Memory of Marjorie L. DeStefano

Obituary

Ms. Marjorie L. (Esford) DeStefano, age 76, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center, surrounded by her loving children.

Born in Dexter, NY on February 22, 1941, Marjorie was the daughter of the late Harold and Leta Mae (Roberts) Esford. She was raised and educated locally, graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1959. She went on to further her education at Mohawk Valley Community College where she studied business and held her first job. She later went on to work for the Oneida County Resource Department, retiring after many years of dedicated service in 2003.

At one time, she was married to the late Gilbert R. DeStefano, Sr. and to that relationship came the blessings of their four children. Marge took great pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker—literally. Marge was instrumental in helping Gil build the family home, carrying bricks and mortar, and even stealing a kiss between bricks. Thanksgiving dinners were “top notch.” Her family never went without a home-cooked meal. Her signature “navy bean soup” was always a family favorite. She passed on to her children and grandchildren, her values of strength, determination, and resourcefulness. Her nurturing spirit and attention to detail are remembered well in the hearts of her children. Marge enjoyed music, dancing, cooking, sewing, bingo, and games of chance. Marge had fond memories of her childhood at Black River in Dexter, NY, as well as trips to various destinations.

Family was at the center of Marge’s life; she was one of eleven siblings. Marge was a Christian, and her faith led her through some of the toughest obstacles in her life. She planted the seeds of faith within the hearts of her children, which stuck with them throughout their adult lives. Especially close to her heart was her brother, David, whom she cared for throughout a lengthy period of illness until his passing in 1993, a true testament to her selfless, Christian spirit.

Marge is survived by her children, Renee and Chet Maciag of Marcy, Gilbert R. Jr. and Colleen DeStefano of Chadwicks, Denise and Rick Hensel of Frankfort, and John D. DeStefano of Rome and his girlfriend, Alexandra; her grandchildren, Anthony & Gina Hensel, Paul and Alicia Toti, Angela Toti, Rick Hensel and his girlfriend, Tori, Jared Hensel, Nicole, Jacob, Joseph, Hannah, Vincent, Dominic, and Thomas DeStefano; and her great grandchildren, JoAnna, Nathaniel, Sophia, Hunter, Teresa, and Antonio.

Also left to mourn her passing is her brother, William Esford of Georgia. She was predeceased by the father of her children, Gilbert R. DeStefano, Sr., her siblings, Harold Jr., Carlton, Robert, Donald, Joyce, Jack, Timothy, and David Esford, and Audrey (Esford) Spencer, and her longtime companion, Sherman Richards.

The family is grateful to the staff of both the Aspen and Magnolia Houses at The Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center, especially acknowledging Rachel, Sharon, and Rachel, and to Fr. Mark Kaminski for tending to Marjorie’s spiritual needs.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 1500 Block of Bleecker St., Utica. Marge’s celebration of life and Rite of Christian Burial will take place at 2:00 PM, with the Rev. Mark P. Kaminski officiating.