Mary T. (Farina) DiLaura, 91 of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Monday April 27, 2009 in Northgate Manor in Wheatfield, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY she was the daughter of the late Paul A. and Nicoletta (Sorino) Farina.

Mary was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area. She attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. On September 28, 1944, she married Joseph M. DiLaura in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls. He predeceased her September 30, 2003. From 1950 until the mid 1970's, Mary and her husband Joseph owned and operated the former DiLaura's Confectionary Store located at 7th and Niagara Streets in Niagara Falls.

Mary was active in local politics and became involved in the Niagara Falls Republican political scene during the early 1970's. During that time she had offered her convenience store as a polling location, and later went on to become a Committeeperson, and eventually held the elected office of Secretary of the City GOP until her term ended in 1990. In 1994, Mary was recognized for her work and awarded the Republican Appreciation Award. From 1992 until 1997, she served on the Board of Commissioners of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Mary was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls as well as their Bereavement Committee. Mrs. DiLaura took great pleasure in cooking and baking, and in her leisure time also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and gardening.

Mrs. DiLaura is survived by her two children; Linda L. Schug of Niagara Falls, NY and Joseph P. (Nancy) DiLaura of Carmel, IN, two grandsons; Brian A. Schug Jr. and David M. Schug, one step-granddaughter Shelly Barnard, two great-grandchildren; Anthony Schug and Jessica Schug, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by one sister Sarah (late Sebastian 'Yano') Tedesco and two brothers; Vincent (late Clara) Farina and Paul Farina.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3-7 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 Thursday April 30th at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church 1413 Pine Avenue Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE WILL ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York 2805 Wehrle Dr. Ste. 6 Williamsville, NY 14221.