Mary Ann Spelta Cappellucci Canale, formerly of Amsterdam, New York; Newport News, Virginia; and most recently Montague, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, after a brief illness, with her family by her side.

Born in Amsterdam, New York, Mary Ann displayed an early love of cosmetology that remained a lifelong passion. She graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam and later attended cosmetology school, where she began a career that combined creativity with a genuine love of serving others. In her later years, she became an accomplished painter with a particular gift for watercolor, she also enjoyed countless hours creating handcrafted items in support of local charitable organizations.

In 1967, after marrying Gabriel O. Cappellucci, a professor at SUNY Binghamton and Broome Community College, Mary Ann moved to Binghamton, New York. Later that year, they welcomed their son, John, who became the greatest joy and pride of her life.

Following Gabriel's passing in 1975, MaryAnn worked in the local school system in Binghamton working with children with special needs and received her Associates Degree from Broome Community College.

In 1978 Mary Ann remarried to Gino Canale and she and her son John relocated to Newport News, Virginia where Gino was the Director of Continuing Education at Thomas Nelson Community College and later Norfolk State University. There, she became deeply involved in her community through numerous charitable and religious organizations. While raising her son, she earned her bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University and built a successful career as an instructor at New Horizons Career Technical Center and as a cosmetologist at the Sophie Lee House of Beauty, where she developed a devoted and loyal clientele.

Mary Ann and Gino shared many happy years until his passing in 2002. In 2020, she moved to Montague, Michigan, to be closer to her son and his family, cherishing the opportunity to spend her later years surrounded by those she loved most.

Throughout her life, MaryAnn was known for her generosity, compassion, and dedication to serving others. She was an active volunteer, board member, and officer for numerous nonprofit and faith-based organizations, including the Sisters of the Poor Clares, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the St. Jude Guild at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Hampton Roads Republican Women's Club, Greetings To You, the Newport News Women's Club, PEO, the Peninsula Italian American Lodge, and the Women's Auxiliary at St. James Church in Montague, among many others.

MaryAnn also loved to travel, especially to Italy, where she enjoyed visiting relatives and strengthening connections with her extended family. She was an exceptional cook whose love of food and hospitality inspired her son to pursue a career as a chef.

MaryAnn is survived by her beloved son, John Cappellucci, and his wife, Kathleen ("Katie"), and her beloved Grand -dog Holly,of Montague Michigan; her stepdaughter, MaryBeth Degma, and her husband, Matthew, of Rochester, New York; her stepson, David Canale, and his wife, Deborah; and her cherished step-grandsons, Bradley and Andrew. She is also survived by many beloved cousins in the Amsterdam area, whom she held close to her heart and often wished she had been able to visit more frequently.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church in Montague. The family will receive friends at the church Monday from 10:00 AM until time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in MaryAnn's memory be made to: Sisters of the Poor Clares, Bethlehem Monastery, 5500 Holly Fork Road, Barhamsville, VA 23011, mtstfrancis@gmail.com

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com