MARY "LIZ" (KILCOYNE) MODAFFERI

Mary “Liz” Modafferi, of Solvay, passed away on April 28th, in the arms of her loving husband and daughters, due to complications after surgery. A proud Irishwoman (and converted Italian), Liz lived her life with an open door and an even more open heart. Whether you walked into her home for the first time or the hundredth, you were immediately greeted with a hug, a seat at the table and a genuine interest in your life. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel like family the moment they met her. Family was her pride and joy. She was extremely involved in her community, volunteering for her daughters’ numerous school events and cooking and baking throughout their school and college years and beyond. She also devoted many years with the Solvay Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary, of which she was a past president. She enjoyed baking and participating in the weekly coffee hour after Mass at St Marianne Cope Parish. She was the first one at your door with meals or goodies in times of need, or just because. It’s just who she was. Lizzie took after the example her mother set for her, surrounding herself with children and love. While staying home to raise her daughters, she babysat and became a surrogate Nana to several children. She returned to work as a pre-school teacher at Learn As You Grow Childcare Center, where she continued to nurture and care for children. Her love and compassion for others was immeasurable. Her grandchildren were her life. She would often be found with her husband on the side lines or in the bleachers of their sporting events, or in the audience for a chorus, theater, band, or dance production. Born in Potsdam, NY to Edgar and Eileen (O’Sullivan) Kilcoyne, she graduated from St Lawrence Central High School, then moved to Syracuse, where she studied at CCBI. While working for MONY, she met the love of her life, Tony Modafferi. Together they built a life of laughs, love and support that was unyielding. Liz was predeceased by her parents, her twin brother, Donald, her sister, Doreen (Bob), and brother-in-law, Bob Griffith. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Tony “Butch”; children; Gina (Joe) LaPlant, Angela (Mac) Sutton, Amy (Russ) Stanton; grandchildren; Brooke, Garrett, Trevor, Bryce, Bryant, Mason, Jesse, Blake, Brayleigh, Connor and Dominique; sisters; Gail (Larry), Barbara (Bill), Connie, Maryann (Tom) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Monday May 4, 2026 at St. Marianne Cope Parish - St. Cecilia Church 1001 Woods Rd., Solvay New York 13209. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 AM Tuesday May 5, 2026 at St. Marianne Cope Parish - St. Cecilia Church 1001 Woods Rd., Solvay New York 13209. Private entombment will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Warners. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Ave, Solvay has care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St Marianne Cope Parish Food Pantry, Solvay High School Music Boosters, or a local charity of your choice. Please share online tributes at www.bagozzitwins.com.

MARY "LIZ" (KILCOYNE) MODAFFERI

June 5, 1947 - April 28, 2026