Maria Luciani Bifano, 89, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2024 at her residence under the care of Niagara Hospice.  Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Fortunato and Dora (Picarelli) Luciani.

Maria was a 1953 graduate of Niagara Falls High School.  She was employed for 30 years in Nutritional Services at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center until her retirement.  Maria was a member of the Children of Mary Sodality at St. Joseph's Church and The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Retiree's Club.  A first-generation Italian American who took great pride in her heritage, she was also a member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America Volare Lodge and the Cristoforo Colombo Society's Women's Auxiliary.  Maria enjoyed gardening, but above all, her life was centered around food, friends, faith and her family.

Maria is survived by her children, Laura Nowak and Charles 'Chuck' Bifano; 8 grandchildren, Jill (James) Sivick, Frank (Marianna) Prantera, Lisa (Shawn) Finitz, Brittany Maria (Jeremy) Corbett, Michael Corbett, Nathan (April) Nowak, Charlie Bifano and Samantha (Michael) Fadel; her great grandchildren, Gayane, Dominic, Zara, Callisto, Orion, Cypress, Jax, Caisson, Scarlett, Mikey, and Angelina.  She was the sister-in-law of Anthony (Marguerite) Bifano.  She is also survived by her best friend, who was like a sister, Phyllis Christiano Vekich, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins both in the United States and Marche, Italy.  She was sadly predeceased by her daughter, Dora (Jameel) Poshni, her great-grandson, Xander, 3 additional great grandchildren, and her siblings, Enzo Luciani, Caroline (late Joseph) Rizzuto, and her former husband, Vincent 'Jim' Bifano.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17 from 5 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  Maria's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.  Everyone please assemble at church.  Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, https://www.niagarahospice.org/donate/.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.