Mary Louise (Amato) LaMorticella, 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mary was the daughter of the late Alfonso “Fritz” Amato and Mary (Iadicicco) Amato. A lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area, she attended local schools and built a life centered around her faith, her family, and the many people she loved so dearly.

On June 10, 1950, Mary married the love of her life, the late Albert LaMorticella. Together, they built a beautiful family and raised four loving children. She worked as a bookkeeper at the former Perfetti Hardware, and after retiring, she joyfully assisted her daughter, Lynn and granddaughter, Carly, at Evergreen Floral.

Mary’s faith was the foundation of her life. She had a deep and unwavering love for God and a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She prayed endlessly for her family and friends, always keeping them close in her heart and prayers. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort not only for Mary, but for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Mary had a gift for making people feel loved, and one of the ways she expressed that love was through her cooking and baking. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of homemade meals and desserts prepared especially for the people she loved. Her recipes were much more than food—they were expressions of love and treasured Italian family traditions that will continue to be passed down for generations.

One of Mary’s most cherished traditions was the Italian Christmas Eve celebration. The table would be filled with the seven fishes, homemade bread, pasta and countless other dishes prepared with love. These gatherings were about much more than the food, they were about bringing everyone together, creating memories, and celebrating the family Mary adored above all else.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love will remain a part of her family forever. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and traditions that will continue to live on through those she cherished.

Mary is survived by her beloved children, Paul LaMorticella, Lynn Safarian (Paul Francoforte), Albert (Annmarie) LaMorticella, and Lori (late Joseph) Segarra; her grandchildren, Marc LaMorticella, Justin LaMorticella, Lauren (Jason Eberhart) Safarian, Carly (Michael) Sinatra, Reuben (Jessica Manz) Safarian, Armand Safarian, Allina (Matthew) Bolea, Marreana (Bo) Gronseth, Bryan (Katie) Segarra, and Taylor (Jeffrey) Monfils; and eight great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Mary is also survived by her brother, Daniel (Mary) Amato and her lifelong friend Elaine Sdao as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Ammari Elizabeth LaMorticella and her sister Charlotte Lincoln.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who so graciously cared for Mary and brought her comfort and kindness during her final days.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 17 from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 AM in St. Leo’s Church, 2748 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to Niagara Hospice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.