Albina (Mazza) Merante, 91, of Youngstown, NY, passed away suddenly on August 15, 2020 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital.  Born in Mangone, Province of Cosenza, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Eugenio and Agata (Sdao) Mazza.

Albina immigrated to Welland, Ontario in 1954.   She married Rocco Merante on October 27, 1956 in Niagara Falls, NY, where she resided until recently.  Her beloved husband predeceased her in 2013.

Albina worked at the Top of the Falls Restaurant, but was better known and recognized everywhere she went as "The Viola's Lady," having worked at Viola's on Elmwood for nearly 50 years.  She was an amazing cook, enjoyed crocheting, traveling, taking strolls with her husband around the Falls, going to the casino, watching sports with her husband and son, but loved nothing more than "la famiglia".  She lived her life for her family, and she will be dearly missed.

Albina is survived by her children, Nancy (Michael) Badolato, Donna (Gino) Nichele, Thomas (Cheryl) Merante, and Cheryl Merante; her grandchildren, David, Chris and Michael Badolato, Jr., Jessica (Bill Siegler) Nichele, Melissa (Paul) Westoven, Cara Nichele (fiancée Matt Marra), Gino Nichele, Briana (James) Fulton, Danielle (Doug) Cochran, and Nick Merante; great-grandchildren, Kylee, Hannah, Rocco, Gabriella, Deanna, Colin, Maci and Leighton.  She is also survived by her siblings, Ida (late Vincenzo) Berardi, Helen (John) Cespite and Mario (Julia) Mazza, and was predeceased by her siblings, Rose (late Frank) Pirillo and Frank (late Maria) Mazza.  She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.  If desired, memorial offerings may be made to American Heart and Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P. O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.