WAPPINGERS FALLS – Giovanna Battista, 92, an area resident since 1996 and formerly of Mount Vernon, died on October 17, 2023 at The Grand at Pawling following a long illness.

Born in Casalciprano, Italy on August 19, 1931, she was the daughter of Giuseppe and Maria Assunta (DeLuca) Colitto. Giovanna was a talented seamstress who worked in Mount Vernon. She enjoyed baking and cooking. She never drove a car, and her family remembers her walking home each day with four bags of groceries in her hands. Another fond memory was when she took her children to see Santa Claus each year at the Cross County Mall in Yonkers.

Giovanna is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donato Battista; her children and their spouses, Gerald Battista, Lucio and Elizabeth Battista, Joseph and Carol Battista, and Maria Russo; her grandchildren, Danny Lagana, Kim Lagana, Lucio and Katy Julia Battista and Giuseppe Russo; her great-granddaughter, Rosalina Maria; and her siblings, Michael Colitto and Teresa Petrucci. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her sister, Nicolina Lombardi.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.