Maria G. (Sammartino) Critelli, 89 of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Friday December 18, 2009 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Tommaso and Amilia (Mongelli) Sammartino.

Maria married Dominic J. Critelli in Naples, Italy on July 7, 1945, and together they moved to Niagara Falls, NY in late 1946. Mr. Critelli predeceased her on February 16, 1997. Maria worked in the clothing department at the former Jenss Department Store on Main Street in Niagara Falls. She was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls, and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America Power City Lodge. Maria was a volunteer at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, and active in the senior citizen groups of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and John Duke Center. She participated in a mixed bowling league at the Bowl-O-Drome, and in her leisure time Maria enjoyed oil painting, knitting, crocheting, gardening and playing cards.

Mrs. Critelli is survived by her two sons, Joseph W. (Sandra) Critelli of Denton, TX, and Thomas P. (Linda) Critelli of East Amherst, NY, four grandchildren, Paul Critelli, Amy Critelli, Jamie Critelli and Mark Critelli, one brother and two sisters of Italy, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by two sisters and one brother.

Friends may call on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday December 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th St. and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE WILL ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094.