Luigina Grace Cortese Ortenzi, 91, of Niagara Falls, NY, was finally at ease enough to meet Jesus on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Emanuel A. and Carolyn (Newson) Cortese; and loving wife of the late Leonard "Renato" M. Ortenzi.

Gina was a graduate of Loretto Academy in Niagara Falls, Ontario and continued her extensive education throughout Western New York and Buffalo. She broke the glass ceiling when she became one of the original geriatric nurse practitioners in 1976 at the University of Buffalo, and was the supervisor at both St. Mary's Manor and Northgate Manor. Her zest for life continued well into her later years as she volunteered for the Woman's Health Initiative and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Gina loved the Catholic faith, the Church, and the people, flaws and all.  Above anyone, her loyalty was to the Lord Jesus. The power of the Holy Spirit continually flowed throughout Gina's life, and there was no doubt she had all of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit to prove it.

Luigina had a sharp wit, humor and energy. She was loved and liked by all that knew her.  She was strong and independent way before it was appropriate to be so.  Gina made everyone laugh, and easily connected with people of all generations because of her closeness to current events and social trends.

She was bipartisan in all aspects of life, and enjoyed watching Anderson Cooper and Fox News, daily mass and South Park. Just don't interrupt her while she was watching Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy! Gina also enjoyed going gambling and attending prayer group, as well as playing bingo and studying the bible.

Above all, Gina was a loving, non-judgmental woman, who was extremely trustworthy and held secrets for anyone. She was the peacemaker and a mediator to her beloved family, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Luiginia Grace was the loving mother of her late infant daughter Maria Ortenzi, the late Linda Ortenzi-Basta, Roxanne Ortenzi, Michelle Ortenzi, Leonard "Buzzy" E. Ortenzi and Carmelle Ortenzi; beloved grandmother of Katie (Dan) Ortenzi, Christina (John) Podlucky, Deborah Basta, Danny Ortenzi, Julia Grace Ortenzi; cherished great-grandmother of Rebecca Lynn and MacKenzie Podlucky, and was the sister of Kathleen Fricano. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and her godson, Albert J. Fricano. Gina was predeceased by her two best friends Philomena Jozwik and Kay Backlas. She missed them dearly.

Her favorite color was purple.  Wear it if you can.  "My Grace is all you need, for my power is strongest when you are weak." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 28 ^th from 5 – 8 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Luigina's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12:30 PM. in Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Unbound - Child Sponsorship, unbound.org . Visit mjcoluccifuneralchaple.com for online condolences.