With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Frances “Marie” Yuricek, 81, of Sunset Beach, NC (formerly of Endicott, NY), who left us suddenly on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Marie was predeceased by her parents, William and Lucia Pelligra; her sister, Josephine Pelligra; her brother, Rosario Pelligra; her husband, Ronald Yuricek; and her son, Jeremy Yuricek. She is survived by her devoted children, LuAnne (Timothy) DeSantis of Cary, NC; Jonathan (Danette) Yuricek of Shallotte, NC; and Ana Hewitt of Delray Beach, FL. She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren—Isaiah and Abel (Caroline) Yuricek; Jack, Jayson, and Josselyn DeSantis; and Sofia and Olivia Yuricek—along with many beloved cousins, including Phyllis Spadafora of Syracuse, NY; Patty Ciotoli and Marguerite Anechiarico of Endicott, NY; and a wide circle of relatives and friends whose lives she touched.
Marie grew up in North Syracuse and attended SUNY Potsdam, earning a degree in Education. It was there, in the small college town of Potsdam, that she met her future husband, Ron, a student at Clarkson University. Before starting her family, she taught elementary school, a role that suited her gentle spirit and natural patience.
An adventurous chapter of her life unfolded when Ron’s work brought them to England, giving Marie the opportunity to travel wide and experience the world.
Though soft-spoken and unfailingly kind, Marie possessed a competitive spark—especially when seated at a trivia game, mah jongg set, or bridge table. She was an avid reader and found joy in quilting and knitting, creating pieces that reflected her warmth and creativity.
Her happiest moments were often spent at her cherished Lake Ontario cottage, lovingly built by her father when she was a teenager. The cottage’s breathtaking sunsets became a backdrop to countless family memories and a place of deep peace for her.
Quiet by nature but unwavering in her devotion, Marie was the steady center of her family—a source of compassion, strength, and enduring love. Her absence leaves a profound void, and she will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services celebrating Marie’s life will be held on Monday May 11, 2026, at 11:30 AM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY. Burial will be Tuesday May 12th at the Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse, NY, at 10:30 AM. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Monday May 11th from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM. All who knew and loved her are warmly invited to join in honoring her memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.