Marie Rose Alexina Mandina, 96, of Tega Cay, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025. Born on July 14, 1928, in Colchester, Vermont, she was the eldest of eleven children of Oscar and Antoinette (Gaboriault) Gratton and became the matriarch of the family.
Marie shared a remarkable 75-year journey alongside her devoted and loving husband, Sebastian Paul Mandina. Their love story began with a blind date, turned into an engagement just three days later, and led to marriage within three months! Together, they built a life in Penfield, New York, raising three children and nurturing a home grounded with love, laughter, and strong traditions.
Professionally, Marie worked at George Little Press in Vermont before joining Xerox Corporation in New York, where she proudly became one of the first women in the Inspection Department in 1965.
A friend to everyone she met, Marie embraced life to the fullest. She and Paul shared a passion for sailing, skiing, music, and traveling together. They sailed the New York Finger Lakes, across Lake Ontario and through the Caribbean; and took exciting trips to Italy, Alaska, and the US Western ski slopes. They were longtime members of the Sodus Bay Yacht Club where they cherished many seasons aboard their beloved 30-foot sailboat, C’est La Vie. Marie, affectionately known as the “Captain” of C’est La Vie, as she was always steering the boat, earned lifetime membership at the Yacht Club after joining in 1974.
Family meant everything to Marie. Every summer, she eagerly anticipated the Gratton family reunion in Vermont, where she was the heart of every gathering — often found with tambourine in hand, performing her trademark song “Alouette”.
In her final weeks, Marie’s legacy of love and connection shone brightly. Each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren traveled from near and far to share one more hug, one more story, and for most, one more heartfelt glass of red wine together.
Marie is survived by her Husband: Sebastian Paul Mandina; her children: Michele Mandina (Richard Eaton); Michael Mandina (Patti Keyes); and Nannette Szott (Ron); five grandchildren: Paul Mandina (Rachel), Jennifer Wiss (Andy), Jonathan Mandina, Corinna Lawrence (Cody), and Dewey Weller (Ashley); and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Bernie Gratton, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was a loving aunt to Susan Constant who she cherished dearly.
She was predeceased by her siblings: Cecile Richards, Annette Charbonneau, Joseph Gratton, Oscar Gratton, John Gratton, Rita Rock, Leo Gratton, Dorothy Gratton, Florence Bradley, Shirley Farnsworth, and her daughter-in-law: Patricia Cutt Mandina.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Greene Funeral Home in South Carolina on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 11:00 am EST, located at 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill. Marie’s service will be Live Streamed for anyone to view at https://www.greenefuneralhome.net/live-streamed-services/ which is also accessible from the Live Stream Services link on the home page. Family and friends plan to celebrate together after the service, with location to be determined. Interment will take place at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marie’s memory may be made to Save Our Sodus, a non-profit organization dedicated to Preserve, Protect and Promote Sodus Bay, New York, a place where many of Maries cherished memories took place.
Marie touched countless lives with her kindness and zest for life — a life beautifully lived, with love and memories that will remain anchored in our hearts forever.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.greenefuneralhome.net.