Obituary of Edith L. Sciamanna

As an avid card player, Edie understood, "Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well" ...Josh Billings Born July 30th, 1928 in Eynon, PA and passing away July 13, 2022 just shy of her 94th birthday, she leaves with us hearts full of gratitude for all the love she so freely gave to friends and family. Having never married or having children of her own, Edie left her schedule and heart wide open to fill with the activities of all her nieces, nephews, and many God children. She was the one we counted on for our life adventures. Whether she was interested or not, she joined us because it would be time well spent with her loved ones. More times than she probably wanted, she joined a pool party just to show her spunk, her sense of humor and to proudly add to the photo memories on her fridge. She livened up all gatherings with a game. There was no child too young to learn to pitch pennies or sit on an adult's lap to learn which poker hands to keep and which ones to fold. She maintained her family home on the South side of Binghamton and her door was always open. Family, neighbors and friends left with full bellies, happy hearts, sweets from her candy jar, and usually less money in their pockets if a card game went in her favor. She proudly continued for us our family tradition of gathering to make raviolis at Christmas time and passing on family recipes we will continue to use. She attended Binghamton High School through the 11th grade when she left in order to help her family. Throughout her school years, Edie was a standout athlete in many sports but specifically softball, basketball and bowling. She was proud of being a lefty and boxes and boxes of trophies are proof of her athletic skills. Edie even had a solo triple play that was so rare it was covered in the local newspaper. She knew sports well and throughout her life was often in conversations about team standings and exceptional athletes. Although Edie worked her professional life at EJ, J&J Plastics and Val Ballou, we are convinced she supplemented her income with poker games among family and friends. She found friends wherever she went and cultivated her relationships well. Edie was blessed with extended family in the Eynon, PA area and a wide network of friends that she formed in elementary school and remained loyal to them all throughout her long life. We are all grateful for the friends she brought into our lives that became family to us as well. Most recently, Edie has been residing at Good Shepherd Fairview Home where she has had a suite connected to her sister Inez Gigliotti. The family is grateful to her niece Lori Sciamanna, who serves as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation there, and the incredible staff who provided these sisters with loving care and an amazing quality of life over the past several years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Good Shepherd Living Care fund in Edie Sciamanna's name, 80 Fairview Avenue Binghamton, NY 13904. Edie was a lifelong member of St's John and Andrew parish where she was active in many committees and activities. She always seemed to be selling raffle tickets for some worthwhile parish event. Her faith in God was strong and we are confident she is prepared for a joyful reunion with her parents, Mattie and Marion Sciamanna. She was also predeceased by her sisters : Gloria O'Hara, Irene Vyziak, brother Philip Sciamanna ,nephew Anthony Vyziak and beloved Aunt Margaret Gentile. She had a special bond with her brother in laws who also predeceased her: William O'Hara, John Gigliotti, and Albert Vyziak. She is survived by her devoted sister Inez Gigliotti, sister in law Gail Sciamanna, Nieces; Sharon (Vyziak) Snow, Donna (O'Hara) Golkin (Perry), Kim (Sciamanna) Hayden (Michael), Lori Sciamanna, and nephew Michael Sciamanna (Jessica). She also is survived by great nieces and nephews; DJ Snow, Nicole (Snow) Weist, Greg Golkin, Dorie (Golkin) Smith, David Golkin, Zoe Hayden, Maya Hayden, Jake Sciamanna, Brady Sciamanna and Paige Sciamanna as well as countless other great, great nieces and nephews both related by blood and by those who lovingly chose to proclaim her their "Aunt Edie". A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton, Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m.