Mary Ella (Streeter) Buanno

On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the world lost a bright, guiding light. Mary Ella (Streeter) Buanno, 88, passed away in comfort at Nathan Littauer Hospital surrounded by family in her final hours. She was born on November 10, 1935. To love and be loved by her was a gift for which her family and friends will forever be grateful. Hers was a titanic love, that she expressed from a home she lived in with her late husband Patsy, whom she married on August 19, 1956. Mom couldn't walk 12 feet in Gloversville without stopping to talk, check-in or care for someone else. She was the enormous, glowing, vibrant, branching tree at the center of our family. At her grandchildren's weddings she was the life of the party, dancing and laughing all night long. These moments truly symbolized who she was to the world - a fun-loving and generous woman who loved to dance, laugh, and give to others. Her smile was infectious, and she had a way of making everyone feel at ease. Mom gave the best advice too. She would always say, "hold your head up and act like you know what you're doing." Her words were a reminder to have confidence in oneself and to always show up as your best. Mom will be deeply missed, but her legacy and impact on this world will forever be remembered not only by her loved ones, but by the students and staff she saw over the course of her career at Gloversville schools. All of us were so lucky to have her there- all three of her children, four of her grandchildren, and many others who frequently called her "Mom” or “Gram", and she knew just about everyone wherever she went- greeting them all with a smile and a wave....and even sometimes a wink. Greeting Mom at heaven's gate is her husband of over 60 years, Patsy A. Buanno, her parents George and Iris Streeter, her sister Janet Lee (Richard) Streeter Williams, her brother Ramon (Norma) Streeter, her in-laws Comie and Dolores (Sanges) Buanno, a sister-in-law Suzanne (Nicosia) Buanno, her precious pup Niki, many grand furbabies, and several other members of her beautiful extended family – a family that took pride in getting together for holiday and birthday parties, parades and cook-outs and just about any other excuse to see one another. Left to grieve her absence on Earth is her last remaining sibling, George P. Streeter of Gloversville, brother-in-law Henry Buanno of Enfield, Connecticut, her children, Anthony (Abbie) Buanno of Gloversville, Janice (Jay) Buanno-Boyles of Schoharie and Valerie (Vincent) Buanno-Danise of Gloversville; her cherished grandchildren, Heidi-Jo Buanno of Gloversville, Mary Lee Boyles of Albany, Courtney (Dillon) Chichester of Canton, Jared (Claire) Boyles of Mt. Vernon, Chad (Ava) Boyles of Schoharie, Maria (Ashley) Danise of Gloversville, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mom graduated from Gloversville High School in 1954. She enjoyed school and loved to talk about not only the fun she had with her friends, but how she met our dad. Her best friend, Vida, and her only sister, Janet, were often the subject of many adventurous tales. Her relationship with her own mother, father, sister and brothers was idyllic and loving. She enjoyed her home growing up and would make you feel like you wished you were there. Family gatherings were important to mom. From her we learned the art of how to set up a party table, greet and treat guests, and carry conversations. Of course, cleaning the house and preparing the menu was a first priority. Growing up, we were fortunate to have mom at home where chores and fun each had a role on carefree days. Running errands with her was neither quick nor simple as mom always stopped to talk to people she knew whether at the bank, at Loblaws, P&C, Nichols, Britts or strolling downtown. That meant we had lots of time venturing through the toy departments so mom could talk – she knew everyone. In 1974 mom took a job with the Gloversville Enlarged School District - first at Boulevard, Meco and McNab Elementary Schools, then at Estee Middle School and finally at Gloversville High School, where she became everyone's “mom” and eventual “grandma”. We finally convinced her to retire in 2016 at 81 years old after 42 years of service in the Health Office. She loved every student, co-worker, teacher, doctor, principal and office staff she met. She was past president of the Boulevard Elementary P.T.A., chairman of the Founder’s Day Committee and volunteer of many other activities and events for the schools. When the home phone rang, it was almost always someone from one committee or the other to talk with her. Over the years, mom gained many more friends – both adults and children who became adults and then parents of children who passed through her school. Our home flourished with Christmas cards received which were often from past students, teachers or principals. We didn't know a lot of the senders, but she did. Further into the years mom was proud to be cared for by former students and children of former students. It was always, “I remember your mom when....” It made her smile when a grown up student recognized her in her later years. Imagine being one of her children. We never thought of her being gone – ever. Her heart was big, her selflessness even bigger, and it extended to everyone she ever met. Our family thanks the wonderful staff at Pineview Commons and the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home where she and dad were together until his death in 2019. More recently, we thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Nathan Littauer Hospital for the gentle, respectful care they provided in mom’s final hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Buanno Memorial Scholarship, (c/o Cathy Meher, Gloversville Schools, 234 Lincoln St, Gloversville, NY 12078) to be offered to seniors pursuing a degree in a medical or educational field. Please join us as we celebrate Mom's life on Saturday, December 16th from 11 am to 1 pm at Amico Funeral Home, 150 South Main St., Gloversville. We invite you to wear something yellow – her favorite color. Mom would love it! Rest in peace, beautiful soul. You will always have a special place in all of our hearts. ❤️

Mary Ella (Streeter) Buanno

November 10, 1935 - December 7, 2023