Marjorie Alice Mazza

Marjorie Mazza, age 91, Ithaca

Marjorie Alice Burgin Mazza, of Ithaca, died on March 16, 2022.

Born December 16, 1930, in Auburn, Maine, Marge was the daughter of George E. and Alice C. Burgin. Her family moved to Elmira in 1931, and then to Ithaca, just a few years later.

A 1950 graduate of Ithaca High School, Marge married Joseph A. Mazza in 1951. They shared a loving 54-year marriage until Joe’s death in 2005. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by many friends and family members, including her sister Miriam Burgin Welch.

Marge was the last surviving member of nearly two dozen Mazza relatives—Joe’s brothers and sisters, cousins, and their spouses—who were a part of the Greatest Generation. Marge was fond of recalling the numerous family gatherings to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays…as well as the not infrequent Sunday visits for a cup of coffee, a sip or two of anisette, and a slice of jumbalone (ciambellone).

While family life was a primary focus, Marge also found time for work outside of home in the 1950s and early 1960s: for New York Telephone, GLF (predecessor to Agway) and Cornell. For much of the 1960s and 1970s, she “stayed home,” as she preferred it, to raise her children and tend to her beautiful flower gardens on West Hill. Working at Ithaca High School in the late 1970s and 1980s, she made many lasting friendships among colleagues and students alike.

In retirement, Marge was active as a volunteer with local charities and a member of the Senior Citizens Chorus. Never shy to be candid, even about herself, Marge would say of her singing, “I really can’t carry a tune.  Sometimes it’s so bad I have to turn off my hearing aids!” Yet, she remained enthusiastic about anything related to music and was nearly always full of good humor. When she gave up driving a couple of years ago, she replaced her much-loved car with a dark-red rolling walker—which she immediately dubbed her “Cadillac convertible.”

Although she suffered from a mild form of polio as a child, Marge was in good health for most of her life. Still, even in illness, it was hard to keep her down. After moving to a long-term care facility a few months ago, she continued to call her children to ask about their lives and to offer unsolicited (although generally helpful!) advice. She ended every call with an enthusiastic, “Love you!” We surely wish we could hear her say it just one more time!

Marge is survived by her son Jim Mazza and his wife Nancy Osborn of Ithaca, and daughter Susan Mazza and her partner Bodie Metzger of Dryden. In addition, she is survived by grandson Dylan Covert of Trumansburg, brother Edward Burgin of Ithaca, several nieces and nephews, and sister-friend Dawn Greene. Marge also leaves a legacy of warm connection with a remarkable group of friends at McGraw House, where she lived for more than decade.

At Marge’s request, there are no calling hours and burial will be private. Bangs Funeral Home of Ithaca is responsible for the arrangements. The family wishes to thank the staff of Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation as well as Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County for their thoughtful and gentle care of our mother. As a remembrance of Marge, gifts may be made to the SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.