Obituary of Bernice M. DeSisti

Bernice E. “Mary” DeSisti, 78, of Sayre, PA, was reunited with her beloved husband, Franklin “Darb” DeSisti, on Sunday, May 20, 2018 while her family by her side surrounded her with their love.  

She was born on June 28, 1939, in Sayre, PA, the daughter of the late Ralph and Minnie (Fuller) Dunham.

Mary’s main-focus in life was always her family. She was a stay at home mom raising her 4 children. From the time her children were young and after the arrival of her grandchildren, Mary always ironed all their clothing. She didn’t stop there however, there wasn’t a pillowcase or hankerchief that didn’t get pressed. Until her health declined, she could be seen standing over the ironing board, no matter the weather, making sure all shirts were ironed, pants had creases, and sheets and pillow cases were like silk. Mary’s greatest joy was spending time outdoors at the family home in the big backyard in Milltown with them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. She vowed to not be a typical grandmother and she never was. She was an amazing eccentric grandmother and to her delight her grandchildren adored her. Mary loved to cook for her family, especially her famous “Homemade Pot Sauces”, which she eventually taught her grandchildren to make. She loved receiving handmade crafts from Heather, and was thrilled when Carly, graduated from Kent State University. She was looking forward to Emily Lynn’s graduation from Cornell University. Mary for over 18 years, looked forward to her granddaughter, Heather’s, 8am phone calls, which she never missed one. Although in the nursing home for a short time, the first thing she made happen was to be sure that the staff understood to have that phone in her room every morning for that 8am call, she told them, I look forward to those and I better not miss it. When her great-grandchildren came along, it brought more joy of family. She loved sitting on the porch and watching Dylan and Jamison play in the family backyard. One of her past-times she enjoyed was reading, especially True Crime Stories. Her love for reading was passed down to all the girls in the family, and they all can be seen at any given time with a book in hand. If she could say one thing to all those who knew and loved her, it would be her one-liner, “Let It All Go To Hell, Famous Last Words.”

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Franklin “Darb” DeSisti, sisters, Esther White, Shirley Bowman, and Phyllis McCutcheon, and her dear friend, Donna.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Deborah DeSisti of Sayre, PA, daughter and special son-in-law, Joi and Donald Hunsinger of Sayre, PA, daughter, Kimmey DeSisti-Quinn of Sayre, PA, and son Frank “Skip” DeSisti of Waverly, NY, her grandchildren she adored, Heather and Tony Bahr of Sayre, PA who resides in the family home, Carlene “Carly” Joi-Sue Quinn of Sayre, PA, Emily Lynn Hunsinger of Sayre, PA, Ava DeSisti of Sayre, PA, Jace DeSisti of Sayre, PA, and Aalivia DeSisti of Sayre, PA, great-grandchildren, Dylan Darleen Bahr and Jamison Howard Douglas Bahr, sister JoAnne Kraus of Sayre, PA and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be missed by all those who knew her and loved her.

Following Mary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. The family is being assisted by Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens.

For her love of animals, memorial donations may be made in Bernice’s memory to: Stray Haven, 194 Shepard Road, Waverly, NY 14892.