Gates, January 27, 2020, at age 80 died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband of 53 years, James; brothers, Sam (Yolanda) Fichera, Nino Fichera of Valguarnera, Sicily; sister, Josephine Pecora, Melbourne, Australia. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren, Susan (Scott) Stafford, Vincent (Roxanne) Cannarozzo, Bridget Nanna, grandchildren, Alyssa (Jason) Rosenberg, Amanda Stafford, Andrea Cannarozzo, Alicia, Michael and Joey Nanna; brother John Fichera (Frances); sister, Rosalie Amatore; sister-in-law, Sina Fichera of Valguarnera, Sicily. She is loved by many nieces and nephews here as well as in Melbourne, Australia and Valguarnera Sicily. As well as dearest friends, Tom and Paula McCulloch Marie immigrated here from Sicily in 1953 when she was 13 years old traveling on the SS Andrea Doria with her mother and brother John. They soon settled in Rochester, NY to join other family members. She met her husband James, and they were married in 1961. Marie was a retiree of General Motors with 30 years of service. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was an excellent cook of Italian food and we enjoyed many meals as a family. Homemade Italian sausage was truly and amazing experience, 60 pounds at a time. Marie enjoyed bowling and playing cards with her dear friends. Marie was a matriarch to so many in the family, listening and giving her loving advice. She would be there for anyone putting herself last and worrying that everyone was happy. Marie's family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Wilmont Cancer Center and Unity Hospital for their caring and compassion. Marie's life story will be shared during visitation 1-3 6-8 pm on Thursday, January 30th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage lane. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am on Friday at Holy Ghost Church, 220 Coldwater Rd. Entombment White Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be sent to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642, in Maria's memory.