Mary (Piazza) MacKenzie, 80, of Dunkirk, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday morning, October 18, 2012, at the Chautauqua County Home after a brief battle with cancer.
Mary was born February 3, 1932 in Dunkirk, daughter of the late Angelo and Augusta (Utegg) Piazza. She married Ira "Ike" MacKenzie on May 11, 1957 spending 48 years of their lives together until he passed away in 2005.
Mary was a lifelong resident of Dunkirk and was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1950. Mary started at a young age working for her father's family business, Piazza and Sons Furniture Store, on Main St. in Dunkirk, as a bookkeeper. She also owned and operated MacKenzie's Card & Gift Shop in Dunkirk, and worked various jobs at Fredonia State College, Caprino's Furniture, Fashion Bug, D & K Stores and was a beloved Volunteer Grandparent at School #3 and at the Senior Citizen Center.
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Mary (Piazza)
MacKenzie
She was predeceased by her husband "Ike" of 48 years, her parents, her brothers, Albert, Harry and Robert. Mary is survived by her two sons, Albert and Richard MacKenzie, both of Dunkirk; three grand- children, Allison, Megan and Trace MacKenzie, and one great grandchild, Wyatt Tressler and her brother, Joseph Piazza of Fredonia. She is also survived by sister in law, Pat (Joe) Piazza, brother in law, Wesley MacKenzie of Corpus Christi, TX and several nieces and nephews.
Mary was a very loving and giving person who started at a young age being an aid to her mother, who had severe rheumatoid arthritis. She helped many other friends, relatives and strangers throughout her life and helped many until their passing.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Monday morning at 10:00 in Holy Trinity Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend a gathering to celebrate Mary's life at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, on Mullet St. in Dunkirk following Monday's service. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood 14750.
