Maria (Butera) Licata, 85 of Lewiston, NY passed away on Monday February 27, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family, while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, she was the daughter of late Vincenzo and Maria (Figurato) Butera.

Maria married Charles Licata on October 23, 1962 in Palermo, Sicily and together with their family immigrated to the United States in 1964. Settling in Niagara Falls, Maria worked as a seamstress for thirty seven years at Tattler's Lane Bridal Shop and the former Valenti's Bridal Shop until her retirement in 2004. Maria was a devoted homemaker and loved to cook. Her life centered her family, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. In 2005, Maria was awarded the "Cittadini Speciali" Award (Special Citizen's Award) by the Pine Avenue Business Association.

In addition to her husband of forty nine years, Mrs. Licata is survived by her four children, Lucy (Dominick) Muto, Marie E. Licata, Paul Licata all of Lewiston, NY, Loretta (Samuel) Serra of Grand Island, NY, four grandchildren, Dominick C. Muto, Rose M. Muto, Samuel C. Serra and Christopher J. Serra, one brother and two sisters, Attilio Butera, Carmella Gagliardo and Grace Butera all of Palermo, Sicily as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by her five siblings, Umberto Butera, Vincenzo Butera, Antonia Butera, Rose Butera and Angelo Butera.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:30 - 8 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Thursday March 1st at 9:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241or Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094.