Lita M. Maroney

Lita Myers Maroney, 91, of Canton passed away at home surrounded by her friends and family on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00 am, by Father Bryan Stitt, Pastor and Father Timothy Canaan at St. Mary’s Church, Canton.

Lita was born May 19, 1934 in Plattsburg, the daughter of Howard Myers and Valida (Durocher) Myers. She graduated from Sallaz Academy and Loretta Business College Cum laude and continued her education at SUNY Canton and the Institute of Financial Education in Chicago, Il. During that time, Lita was in several plays for the Plattsburg Theatre Group and was a soloist and cast member for the Saranac Hollow Minstrel Shows.

Lita was employed at Goldman and Goldman in Plattsburg, fort the NYS Division of Parole at Clinton prison, and then moved to Canton for the Division of Parole.

After moving to Canton, she met R. Michael Maroney and the couple was married on June 25, 1955 at the Church of Assumption in Redford, New York with Rev. Eugene Beaudet, officiating. She did not work during her children’s formative years. She then went to work for Canton Savings and Loan, retiring as Asst. Vice President. In her retirement years, she worked for St. Lawrence Mental Health Clinic, J. J. Newberry’s in Canton, and was a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s and Canton Central School. She volunteered at thrift shops in Florida, the Church and Community Shop and the St. Mary’s Thrift Shop in Canton.

Lita also founded two groups to help people, the first called Surviving Spouses Friendship Group that helped over 50 grieving people who were dealing with loss. She also started a rosary makers group, whose members have crafted over 12, 000 rosaries that have been donated to missions all over the world.

Surviving Lita are a son, Howard L. (Nancy) Maroney of Hannawa Falls, two daughters Mauri Ellen (Susan) of Canton and Valli Genditzki of Spencerport, NY, four grandchildren, Mandy Maroney of Potsdam, Megan Maroney of Plattsburg, Valida Barber (Steven) of Brockport and Benjamin Genditzki (Samantha) of LeRoy, NY, nine great-grandchildren and four great-greatgrandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Leo Howard (Hilda) Myers and a sister-in-law Eleanor Maroney, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lita was predeceased by her husband, R. Michael Maroney on May 31, 2008, by both of her parents, sisters-in-law, Bonnie Myers, and Eileen Carrow and brothers-in-law Jim and John Maroney and Herbie Carrow.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, P.O. Box 510; Potsdam, NY 13676 or to St. Mary’s Church, 68 Court Street; Canton, New York 13617.

Lita was a kind, compassionate, spirited woman who lived her life with class and grace. She will be missed and remembered by many.