NORWICH – Ramona Estelle (Dubick) Mirabito, 82, of Norwich, died on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Estelle is survived by her husband of 59 years, Fred, whom she married June 28, 1952 in St. Bartholomew’s Church. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Concetta “Tina” Mirabito, of Sidney and her brothers-in-law, Frank Mirabito of Norwich and Salvatore “Toots” Mirabito and his wife, Ruth, of Seaford. She is also survived by 27 nieces and nephews and numerous “adopted” friends who fondly referred to her as Aunt Estelle. Estelle was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Andrew Vern Dubick, her brother-in-law, Joseph Mirabito and his wife, Janie, James Mirabito and wife, Angelina, Thomas Mirabito, of Sidney and sister-in-law, Barbara Mirabito.
Born Jan. 25, 1930 in Scranton, Pa., Estelle was the daughter of Andrew and Edith (Topping) Dubick. At the age of 9, her father died and the family moved to Norwich where Estelle graduated from Norwich High School. She was active with the NHS Class of 1947 after which she received her teaching degree from the State University of New York at Cortland. From 1951 to 1983, Estelle was a fourth grade teacher in the Oxford School System. For a short period she also taught a language arts class. Her dedication to her students went beyond the normal educational requirements and earned for her a life-long respect from many of them who, now in their adult years, respectfully referred to her as Mrs. Mirabito and remembered her with cards and visits on her birthday, Christmas and other occasions throughout her life. She cherished and valued her education a great deal, always acknowledging the opportunities it afforded her throughout her life and career. Fulfilling a desire to further assist the students of today, Estelle established a scholarship at her alma mater, SUNY Cortland, which has been and continues to be utilized by students of either Norwich or Oxford who wish to pursue a degree in education.
After retiring, Estelle’s energies were spent caring for her mother, serving her church as a lector and religious education teacher, volunteering at the Chenango Memorial Hospital and adding to the joy of her many friends with her smile and jokes. After her husband retired in 1992, Estelle and her husband spent and enjoyed their winters together in Stuart, Fla.
Her family and friends will remember her as a warm, generous and caring person who left us, always teaching, with the example of how we should treat one another.
Estelle’s church and beliefs were important to her. She had true faith. In that context, she lived and died humbly, with grace and with dignity.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Chenango County and the staff of the Chenango Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care they provided Estelle during her illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Estelle will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 18, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, with Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, officiating. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday from 4 – 7 p.m. Members of the Ave Maria Guild will recite the Rosary on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Estelle may be made to the Msgr. Festa Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Bartholomew’s Church, 73 E. Main St., Norwich, NY 13815 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.