Wilhelmina M. Carapella

Wilhelmina Mertson Carapella, age 81, of Corning passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born April 9, 1935 to Andrew and Agnes May (Butler) Mertson in Jamestown, NY, the second oldest of nine siblings. She graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1953. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, graduating in 1958, followed by a Master's degree in Education from Elmira College.

She began her career teaching English at Wayland Central School in 1958. From then until her retirement in 2006 she taught at a number of schools in the Corning area, ending her career with 23 years at All Saints Academy. For Willie, teaching was not just a career, it was her calling. She had a passion for passing on her wealth of knowledge, especially in English Literature, History and the Catholic Religion. She is remembered by many former students as a favorite teacher. In 1997 she received the Seton-Neumann Award from All Saints Academy for her dedication and service to Catholic education.

Willie married Peter L. Carapella on July 18, 1959. The two had met in high school and continued their relationship while Willie was away at college. Throughout their life together Pete and Willie enjoyed spending time with their children and large extended family. Pete remained a devoted husband, caring for Willie throughout her long illness. She was the love of his life.

Willie was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed doing many types of needlework. She was a voracious reader and collected hundreds of books throughout her lifetime. She loved traveling with her husband and children. Favorite destinations included sites of historical interest and beaches along the East Coast. In the summer of 2003 she was able to fulfill her dream of attending Oxford University in England by taking a literary seminar there through the Smithsonian.

Wilhelmina is survived by her husband and four children; Marina (Fermin) Liriano of Corning, Peter A. Carapella of Fayetteville, NY, Lisa (Paul) Mowatt of Gilbert, AZ, and Paul (Angela) Carapella of Tampa, FL. She was a loving grandmother to her seven grandchildren; Tony and Angie Liriano, Isabel, Nick and Maddie Carapella, Katie Mowatt and Annabelle Carapella. She is predeceased by her parents and survived by her seven sisters; Eleanor Mertson, Kay (Dave) Sally, Joanne Mertson, Ruth (Jack) Dettleff, Elaine Gorman, Jan (George) Tuma, Sue Roach, and one brother Bill (Gerry) Mertson and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind two of her most devoted friends, Edna Painter and Jennifer Forester.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday May 18th from 5 until 8 PM at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. 216 East First Street in Corning. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at St. Mary's Church, 155 State Street in Corning at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Corning.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Wilhelmina's name to All Saints Academy, 158 State Street, Corning, NY 14830.

Wilhelmina's family entrusted her care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.