WATERTOWN, NY —Â Aletha M. Fortunato, 95, Watertown, widow of Michael Fortunato, passed away Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home.
The memorial Mass will be said 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Holy Family Church with Rev. John Demo officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.
She is survived by her children Maria Fortunato, Phoenix, AZ, Debbie (Earl) Alberry, Watertown, Linda (Dennis) Brown, Adams, Michael (Terri) Fortunato; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; her sister Charlotte Petrie, and brother Thomas Capone, both of Watertown; many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, John, and a sister, Catherine Martin.
Born July 1, 1924, in Watertown, a daughter to John J. and Charlotte Capone Jaquith, she attended Watertown High School.
In her early years she worked at Frederick’s Dry Cleaners and at the original Woolworth’s as a counter waitress. She later worked in retail as a salesclerk at Saks 5th Ave in Syracuse and at Smith & Percy in Watertown.
Aletha married Michael Fortunato on July 18, 1942, and were together for 59 years until Mike’s passing on Feb. 6, 2001.
She was a member of the Legion of Mary at Holy Family Church and a volunteer for 15 years at Samaritan Medical Center and the Sam Keep Gift shops.
Aletha was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed cooking and spending time with and for her family and friends. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, bingo, and bus trips to the casino. She was an avid New York Yankee fan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Precious Blood or to the St Jude Children’s Hospital.
Online remembrances may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.