NORWICH – Ellen J. Magistro, 86, of Norwich, passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Norwich on Dec. 30, 1926, Ellen was the daughter of Charles E. and Margaret (Condon) Diefenbacher. She graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1946 and then worked for the phone company in Norwich for many years, beginning with C&U and retiring in 1986 from Verizon. Following her retirement, she spent several winters in Florida with her husband, Anthony.
Ellen was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and of the Ave Maria Guild. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Ladies of the Elks. Besides her club activities, Ellen also enjoyed playing bingo, pokeno, playing cards, word find puzzles and attending senior functions.
On Jan. 25, 1947, in St. Paul’s Church, Ellen married Anthony Magistro Sr. who survives. She is also survived by her children and their spouses, Anthony Magistro Jr. and his wife, Madelyn, of Norwich, Robert Magistro, of Norwich, Charles and Kay Magistro, of Ottawa, IL and Margaret Magistro, of Norwich; six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Diefenbacher, of Norwich and sisters-in-law, Josephine Diefenbacher, of Greene and Mary Annesi, of Norwich. Ellen was predeceased by her parents and five brothers, John, Thomas, Bill, Bob and Dave Diefenbacher.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ellen will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery in the spring. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in memory of Ellen may be made to St. Bartholomew’s Church, 73 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.