Marian Valentine (Castellana) Conti
Marian Valentine (Castellana) Conti
Marian Valentine (Castellana) Conti died peacefully Sunday, April 15 while residing at St. Columban’s assisted living facility. She was born in Fredonia, NY on February 14, 1926 the daughter of the late Vincent (Jimmy) and Matilda Castellana. She was married to Louis R. Conti MD in 1951 who predeceased her in 2010.
Marian was a graduate of Fredonia High School and Jamestown Business College. She worked as a medical secretary at Brooks Memorial Hospital in the Radiology Lab, Buffalo General Hospital and for Dr. Schwabe in Brocton, NY. She also assisted her husband in establishing his medical practice in Dunkirk/ Fredonia as a secretary along with raising three sons.
She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Fredonia, Shorewood CC and volunteered her time as a usher at FSU King Concert Hall. She was a generous caregiver showing her love of family and friends especially when illness entered their lives.
As a young girl she had a love of gymnastics and would perform gymnastic routines at events for family and friends. Marian was a graceful and athletic woman who enjoyed tennis, golf, ice skating, roller skating and ballroom dancing. She also enjoyed playing bridge, painting and had a great love of music. She always was delighted to hear the visiting musicians and choral groups performing at St. Columbans. She was at her happiest when visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marian is survived by her sons: Richard (Rebecca) of Fredonia NY, Robert (Susan) of Getsville NY, Ronald (Kathy) of Melbourne FL. Grandchldren: Jennifer Conti of Greece NY, Rachel (Christopher) Bruzee of Webster NY, Melissa (Thomas) Mazza of Gaithersburg MD, Kevin, Lucas & Michael Conti of Getsville NY and Erick Spitzkeit of Titusville FL. Great grandchildren: Dominic and Luca Bruzee along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother Anthony (Hoppy) Castle of Roswell NM.
In addition to her parents and husband she is predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law: Mamie (Anthony) Bucolo, Frances (Joseph) Foti, Carolyn (Joseph) LoGuidice. Brother and sister-in-law Alfred (Jane) Castle and sister-in-law Angie Castle.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 9:15 from the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 o’clock in St. Anthony’s Church, 42 Orchard Street, Fredonia. Calling hours will be held Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Columbans On the Lake and Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.