Mary Giardina Wiedeman

Mary Giardina Wiedeman was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend. Mary had an unwavering innocence and always saw the good in people. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was truly one of a kind and one of the most caring people that has graced this earth.

After a long nine-year courageous battle with ICU Neuropathy/Myopathy (ALS), she passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 22, 1956, in Oneonta, NY, the daughter of the late Augustino and Francesca (Messina) Giardina. She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1975 and married her high school sweetheart Carman Wiedeman on April 19, 1976.

Mary was a humble, kind, and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by many lives she touched. Her lovely personality was contagious to everyone she met. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Mary. She loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and combing for antique treasures and great new places to enjoy delectable foods!

Mary was a devoted employee for over 30 years at Opportunities for Otsego Head Start Program. Mary was a kind and gentle soul. She loved all children. They would flock to her every time she entered a room. Spending time surrounded by children was one of her greatest and most fulfilling joys of her life. She often went above and beyond to reach out to children in need. There are many people and parents who, even after many years, have never forgotten how special she was.

Mary leaves behind her husband, Carman (Rick) Wiedeman of Oneonta; son, Gaetano (Guy), daughter-in-law, Francesca and their children Evan and Chase, of Oneonta; daughter, Frances (Fran) Wiedeman and her children Mateo and Maria, of Oneonta; sisters-in law, Barbara (Bob) Purcell of Florida, Janet (Mike) Parent; aunt, Carmela (Rosario) Vento of Oneonta, and aunt Diega Giardina of Italy; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in Oneonta, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut Texas, California, Florida and Italy also survive her.

Mary was predeceased by her father Augustino Giardina, Oneonta, NY; mother, Francesca Giardina Messina, Oneonta, NY; stepfather Gaetano Messina, Oneonta, NY; half siblings, James Giardina, Archbald, PA; Anna Blasetti, Oneonta NY; Carmella Chellino, Carbondale, PA; Josephine Pullman, Easton PA; Anthony Gardino, Arlington TX and Gioia Glad, The Villages, FL; In-laws, Frederick and Sheila Wiedeman, and sister-in-law Susan Pizza.

Friends may call on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, at which time the family will be in attendance.

Mary was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 12 pm at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, with the Rev. Christopher Welch officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift made in memory of Mary to Opportunities for Otsego County Head Start program. https://ofoinc.org/donate - Online Donation Form

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com for the Wiedeman family.