Maria (Grande) Girardo, 88, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on June 18 ^th , 2017. Born on August 7, 1928, in Lamezia, Province of Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Katherine (DeFazio) Grande.

Maria was raised in Italy.  On June 21, 1952, she married Nicola 'Nick' Girardo in Calabria, Italy, and the couple came to Niagara Falls in 1953.  Mr. Girardo predeceased her on November 20, 1999.  Maria was employed at Walkers Laundry in Niagara Falls.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, canning and baking.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her husband and family, especially the time spent at their cabin in the Southern Tier.

Mrs. Girardo is survived by three children, Felix (June) Girardo of Tampa, FL, Vincent (Sherry) Girardo of Niagara Falls, NY, and Anthony (Kathy) Girardo of Lewiston, NY; five grandchildren, Vinny Girardo, Keri (Vinnie) Granto, Janelle (James) Armstrong, Nick Girardo, and Julie Girardo; five great-grandchildren, Jayden Girardo, Anthony 'AJ' Armstrong, Marre Armstrong, Vincenzo Granto, and Emilia Granto; one brother-in-law, Anthony (Concetta) Girardo, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband of 47 years, Maria was also predeceased by two sisters, Giovanna and Angela.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 23 ^rd , from 2 - 4 PM and 6 - 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin on Saturday, June 24 ^th at 9:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls NY 14304.  Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Buffalo, NY 14221.  Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for guest register.