Mary Marcia Cantara

Mary Marcia Cantara, age 76 of Lewiston, died Thursday February 21, 2013 in the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, after a long illness. Marcia was born January 16, 1937 in North Tonawanda, NY, the daughter of the late Charles E. and Virginia A. (Kropp) Smith and was a 1955 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. On August 3, 1963 she married William "Bill" Cantara and lived many years in Youngstown. From 1979 to 1985 they lived in Louisiana before returning to Youngstown and then living most recently in Lewiston. She was a Teacher's Aide at Stella Niagara for 6 years, retiring in 1994. Marcia was a member of Devine Mercy Parish in Niagara Falls and was a member and attended Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Youngstown. She was devoted to her faith and helping others as evidenced by her volunteering and participation in so many religious, community, and youth services. She was a Brownie leader in Youngstown; volunteered with both Marriage Encounter and Pre Cana for Western NY; worked with the mentally handicapped at Arc Angels in Louisiana; taught confirmation classes at St. Bernard's RC Church in Youngstown; held youth groups at her home in Youngstown; volunteered at St. Luke's Mission of Mercy in Buffalo; taught RCIA at Devine Mercy Parish in Niagara Falls; and volunteered at Summit Life Outreach in Niagara Falls. An avid sports fan, Marcia loved the outdoors, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. She is survived by her husband Bill; her children, Richard (Virginia) Cantara of Wheatfield, NY, Mary Karen (Kevin) Girasole of Youngstown, and Katie (David) Stefik of Lewiston; her grandchildren, Shannon, Megan, Kevin, Keely, Sian, Lauren, and Amelia; a sister in law, Sharon Smith of Pittsburgh, PA; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Donald D. Smith and a sister, Karen Ann Krowinski. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Saturday from 7 - 9 PM and Sunday from 1 - 4 and 6 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 25, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston.(Please assemble at Church). Burial will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211