Tribute Wall
Wednesday
25
June
Visitation at Funeral Home
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
James W. Cannan Funeral Home
3155 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, New York, United States
Thursday
26
June
Mass
10:30 am
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Nativity Of Our Lord Church
26 Thorn Ave
Orchard Park, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
Holy Cross Cemetery
2900 South Park Ave
Lackawanna, New York, United States
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Joe Cutolo posted a condolence
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Mary DeChellis was born in Lackawanna, on January 10th, 1952. Nine days before my father, who was born on the other side of the world in Italy. She was a first generation American born to Luigi and Florenza. As the child of immigrant parents that lived through the depression, World War 1, and fought in world war 2, she carried the lessons of her upbringing with her for her entire life. When I sat down to write this, I wanted to tell all the things that made her special. I wanted to write a eulogy that told her story. But who she was, was more than the neighborhood she grew up in or the jobs she had. There was a light that my mother had. She had an uncanny goodness, that shined on everyone around her. When she encountered someone in need, she was there to help. It didn’t matter what the situation was, she had this optimistic view of people. Like all people needed was someone to believe in them, and they’d be better in the end. Every person sitting in this room is sitting here because you know that. She had a way of making people feel special their feelings were the most important thing. She cared so much about people that after spending time with her, you felt better about whatever was going on.
She grew up in South Buffalo on South Park Ave. and went to Holy Family Grammar school and Mount Mercy academy High school. The alphabetical seating chart played a crucial role in creating the life long friendship of Mary DeChellis and Janice Daminski. Janice has always been like a second mom. She’s Janeen’s confirmation sponsor. Her sons are like my brothers. Her granddaughters and my children are like family. I don’t have time to explain how complex and amazing their friendship was. If there is a friendship version of soul mates, that’s what they have.
After high school, my mom went to work at Park Edge Grocery store, where my dad also worked. My dad had been in the US for 7 months when they met. My mom wanted to ask him to her senior prom, but her parents did not approve. So, she went with Janice. Luckily for me and Janeen, things worked out and my parents got married. This Saturday would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.
How do you encapsulate 73 years? There are so many amazing stories that there isn’t time to recount, or put in any kind of covent order. Janeen told me to do the ‘greatest hits.’ So, here we go.
When she was little, her family didn’t have much. She had a doll. Her great grampa bought it for her, and she treasured it. Its name was “tiny tears.”
She could sew. And she knew how meaningful it was to make things. She sewed from scratch, janeen’s communion dress, Her flower girl dress for aunt Rita’s wedding, her 8th grade grad dress, and her homecoming dress. She turned the communion dress into Alana’s flower girl dress for Janeen’s wedding.
She had a pet chicken. It makes me smile to picture her, as a 5 year old, walking it on a leash through south buffalo.
She loved Mo-town. And the Beatles. The early stuff.
She could name that tune…. In 2 notes.
She loved jeopardy. Every time someone got a daily double, she would do ‘double guns.’ And every time, is was as funny as if she just came up with it.
If you could make her laugh, that smile would carry you through.
One spring, I crashed my bike, and with a bottle of alcohol and a pair of tweezers, she spent an hour, taking every tiny pebble out of my scraped up face.
Recipes were more ‘inspiration’ rather than ‘instructions’
If I could make her smile, I knew it was a good joke.
She ran the house, and the business, and it was always seamless.
This has been our family church since I was in first grade. We had our communions, confirmations, Janeen and I both had our wedding’s here. If you look around at the bows on the ends of the pews. My mom made them. They have made the rounds. In addition to helping plan and host showers, and events for everyone’s weddings, she was there with the pew bows. I think all of janeen’s friends had them. She let a stranger borrow them, when she found out they were getting married here. They were special. She was special.
Those bows were emblematic of who she was. Simple devotion to doing good for others. Last night, the thing that I heard over and over, was the effect she had on people to make them feel the best in themselves. I have had a saying, that I tell the kids I coach. And it wasn’t until I wrote this that I realized, the sentiment comes from the way my mom embodied grace, love, and hope. I will leave you with these words, which I will continue to say, in her honor…
If you believe in you, the way I believe in you, then you’ll be unstoppable.
M
Maggie Queen-Siperek posted a condolence
Thursday, June 26, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Mary's family. We worked together many years ago. She was always kind and caring. I look at her photo and see the goodness she shared with others. I hope the many happy memories that you have had together will help to ease your pain.
P
Pattina Keniston posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
My thoughts of Mary are always synonymous with “kindness”.
Just seeing her face , her beautiful smile-always gave me calm .
Her quiet , mild spirit made me think “ when I grow up.. I want to be like her”.
She was beautiful.. the kind of beauty that envelopes the whole person-because she was good and kind -to the core.
I learned from her example .. that kindness is a strength not a weakness and that respecting others creates peace and calm .
Grateful to have known her.
R
Rita posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Tribute to My Dearest Sister-in-Law Mary
For more than 50 years, my sister-in-law was a constant and cherished part of my life. In all those years — every season, every gathering, every ordinary day — she was consistently kind, helpful, and respectful to me and to every member of my family.
I can honestly say I never once heard her speak an unkind word about anyone. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the good in people, even when they struggled to show it themselves. Her guiding motto was always “kill them with kindness.” But for her, that wasn’t just a saying — it was a way of living. It meant offering kindness, patience, forgiveness, and gentle example, with the faith that in time, hearts would soften and understanding would come.
In half a century of knowing her, she never did or said a single thing that hurt me. Not once. There wasn’t anything more she could have done to show her love for me and our family. And I believe, with all my heart, that anyone who knew her would say the same.
It almost feels impossible — how could such a soul, so gentle and good, have walked among us? And now she’s gone. It feels unfair, too soon, too sudden to let go of someone like her.
But in my sadness, I find comfort in knowing that she’s now reunited with our parents — those she loved and honored so dearly. Long before it was popular or expected, she called them Ma and Pa, embracing them not as in-laws, but as her own.
And though my heart aches, I hold onto the hope that someday, I’ll be with her again. Until then, I will carry her memory and her example with me — and try, in my own way, to live with a little more kindness, just as she taught us all.
Rest well, dear sister. You were a blessing, and you always will be.
Love you always ,
Reeetah
We are so deeply sorry for this loss. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her.
Mary was a truly wonderful and caring woman — honest, sincere, and gracious in every one of her dealings with us. I can say with certainty that every memory I have of her is a good one. She carried herself with kindness and integrity, leaving behind a quiet example of warmth and decency that won’t be forgotten.
May Allah bless her soul, surround her with mercy, and grant her peace. And may her memory continue to live on in the hearts of all those she touched.
Respectfully,
Mouayed
G
Gianna Borrelli uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 23, 2025
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Cara Mary
Noi cugini Italiani ringraziamo il cielo di averti conosciuta . Purtroppo il tempo che abbiamo passato insieme è stato troppo poco ma lo ricordiamo pieno di gioia .
Buon viaggio
Condoglianze ai tuoi cari soprattutto a tuo marito Gianni che si sentirà perso in questo dolore.
Antonio ,Gianna e famiglia Borrelli
F
Francine posted a condolence
Monday, June 23, 2025
Francine & John
Thru all the years you have always been an angel. Your love and the support we shared got us both thru a lot of rough waters. I will always miss you. You have been brave, strong, and courageous at all times. Rest and be at peace.
R
Rich and Marsha DePerro posted a condolence
Sunday, June 22, 2025
We have been blessed to be a dear friend of Mary and John for over 50 years. Mary was a very special person when we first met as a young girl. Through all the years she remained one of most beautiful person inside and out we ever knew. Our thought and prayers are with John and their children. We will truly miss her.
A
Anna & Frank Sinclair uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, June 22, 2025
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Always smiling, always loving, it was an honor to share grandchildren with her.
M
The family of Mary R. Cutolo uploaded a photo
Saturday, June 21, 2025
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Please wait
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Shannon Horrigan-Buckheit- Prezioso posted a condolence
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Gone to soon.
Che tu possa cavalcare sulle ali degli angeli mentre ti unisci a loro in pace. Possa la tua famiglia trovare conforto come sei ora come sempre il loro tutore sopra. Non te ne sei andato, la tua presenza è semplicemente cambiata. Pace cara ragazza, il tuo lavoro è finito.
From a MMA classmate. Peace and comfort to you, loving family.
T
Trish Glose Posted Jun 23, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Mary was my neighbor for several years. Our children played together, No fences just running from our house to hers. She and her mom and mother-in-law welcomed my kids off the bus and served treats and food from their beautiful garden. Mary’s gentle ways made our world a better place. You will be missed. Our sympathy to all…The Gloses
About Us
We are honored and privileged to be able to help families and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet your needs. What ever your faith, a traditional wake service or burial, cremation or memorial we will work within your budget to provide you with a service that will meet your expectations.
Orchard Park
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
3155 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, New York
14127
Tel: (716) 675-9027
[Get Directions]
Buffalo
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
2397 Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York
14210
Tel: (716) 822-1773
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