IN MEMORIAM: Melanie Motta, 92;

Italian Immigrant Was Seamstress

COOPERSTOWN – Melanie A. Motta, 92, of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2017, at Bassett Hospital.

Melanie was born on June 26, 1924, in Accorneri, a small village in Italy’s Piedmont Province, the daughter of Severino and Amalia Accornero.

She immigrated to the United States in 1951, following her marriage to Frank Motta, who predeceased her in 1986. Melanie and Frank originally moved to Astoria, Queens and later purchased a home in Yonkers, following the birth of their two children.

During this time Melanie worked as a seamstress at local dress shops. She later established an independent business, working directly for a limited number of private clients.

She eagerly sought her United States citizenship and was able to learn English once her children began attending elementary school. Although she lacked substantial formal education Melanie remained a voracious reader throughout her life.

In 2003, Melanie relocated to Cooperstown, near her daughter, purchasing a home in Lakeland Shores. She continued to work as an independent seamstress, and enjoyed meeting new friends and neighbors.

Melanie was passionate about her family, and drew great pleasure from cooking festive Italian meals for all family celebrations. Over the years, many others had the opportunity to experience Melanie’s culinary talents as well, and for virtually all it proved to be an unforgettable experience.

Following the sale of her home, Melanie relocated to the Plains at Parish Homestead and later to Focus Otsego. She was always grateful for the attentive care she received from staff at these organizations, as well as those from At-Home Care Inc. and Bassett Medical Center.

Melanie is survived by her daughter, Doris Motta (Michael Stein) of Cooperstown; son, Anthony (Joy) of Croton-on-Hudson; grandchildren, Laura Stein, Lisa Motta (Frank Paternoster) of New York City, and Michael Motta.  Just a few weeks before her passing, Melanie was thrilled to attend the wedding ceremony of her granddaughter, Lisa, which was specially scheduled at Focus Otsego to enable her attendance.

The family invites friends and neighbors in the Cooperstown area to attend a gathering at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 4, at the Motta-Stein home at 328 Chicken Farm Hill Road in Cooperstown.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, June 5, in Mount Hope Cemetery, Jackson Avenue and Saw Mill River Road, Hastings-on-Hudson.

Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.