Margaret C. Occhiuto, 95, of 628 First Ave., Johnsonburg, formerly of New York, died Sunday morning (July 31, 2016) at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, following a brief illness.

She was born on June 10, 1921, in Johnsonburg, a daughter of Stephen and Mary Grace Scrivo Vavala. On July 22, 1942, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married Saverio Occhiuto, who died July 19, 1982.

Mrs. Occhiuto had resided in Johnsonburg since 1983. She graduated from Johnsonburg High School in 1939

She was predominantly a homemaker, but led an exciting life where she worked for the War Department during World War II, followed her husband from New York to the Virgin Islands, working alongside him as he worked as a world class meat handler and butcher. She had also worked in bridal boutiques in New York City, where she rubbed elbows with the stars.

Mrs. Occhiuto was a member of Holy Rosary Church. She was very active and held multiple offices within the Rosary Altar Society. She took up painting later in life and became a local award-winning artist and enjoyed seeing her artwork hanging in all of her family's homes.
She loved to tell stories about her life and they were enjoyed by all who heard them.

Mrs. Occhiuto is survived by a sister, Veronica (Anthony) Ferragine of Johnsonburg; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Salvatore and Bruno "Nibe" Vavala; and sisters, Helen Tassone, Marian Dellaquila, Rose Damore, Brunina Tripodi, Josephine DeFiore and Giovanna "Jane" Francis.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home Inc., 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, with the Rev. David J. Wilson, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg.