Gambin, Marie

Marie Foti Gambin died peacefully after a short illness on December 27, 2021 with loved ones by her side. She will be terribly missed by family and friends, most of whom called her Aunt Marie. Having had no children of her own, she “adopted” her many nieces nephews and their children and grandchildren.

Marie was born on March 31, 1924. She grew up in a loving Italian American home. After World War II she married a returning soldier from the neighborhood, Patrick Gambin. She and Pat were married for over 70 years until his death in 2020.

Although highly intelligent and creative, her traditional Sicilian family only sent her brothers to college. Despite this, she began a business career, first in interior design and then in property management. With a business partner, George Arena, they managed some of the elite residential properties in Rochester. Meanwhile she began buying rental apartments.  Again, she used innate creativity to make them more valuable before sale.

She retired comfortably at age 65. Shortly after her retirement, macular degeneration took much of her eyesight. Intrepid as she was, she took up oil painting. She showed her work in various venues and even did a fundraiser for the Association for the blind and visually impaired. A newspaper story featured her works.

Marie also excelled in cooking and in retirement she published a cookbook of family recipes and photos. It delighted her many loved ones. She also entertain frequently with many gourmet “abbondanza” meals.

She is survived by 15 nieces and nephews, countless grandnieces and nephews and many close friends. Her warmth, fun, exuberance and compassion will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the association for the blind and visually impaired. A service of remembrance will be held at a date yet to be determined.