Obituary of Letizia E. Magats

Letizia E. Magats, 81, of Auburn, NY passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY on November 18, 2020. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Faith and family served as the foundation for her life and was reflected in her endless devotion to her family and commitment to helping all in need. She was born on November 25, 1938 in Peckville, PA to the late Vincenzo and Nazzarena (Cicilioni) Giovanelli. Following graduation from Blakely High School, Letizia earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Marywood University in 1960 while serving as her class president and working countless hours in the rectory at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. She married George Magats in 1963 and began raising their children in Coopersburg, PA before relocating to Auburn, NY in 1969. There, Letizia devoted over 30 years to teaching elementary school. She taught through example, commitment, kindness, and determination. She was an advocate for all students, believed in the education of the whole person, and instilled in her students, as well as her children, the drive to strive for excellence and the importance of character. Letizia also was instrumental in Cayuga County's Talented and Gifted program and served on the State Odyssey of the Mind Board of Directors, planning student tournaments for the Auburn area and New York State for many years. In addition to teaching, Letizia was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church, active in numerous ministries, and taught religious education. In her free time, Letizia loved spending time with her family, was an avid gardener, enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod and in Brigantine, NJ, and regularly rooted on the New York Yankees and Syracuse University football and basketball teams. Letizia is survived by her sons Joe (Gabriela), John, and, Jim (Shalini) Magats; daughter, Anne (Nate) Brochmann; grandchildren Nicole, Meghan, Morgan, Dominic, Jacob, and Bruno Magats; brother Robert (Martha) Giovanelli; and, many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother Angelo Giovanelli; and, sisters Angeline Silvestri and Lilian Falzone. Mass of Resurrection at St. Alphonsus Church and interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery will be private. A memorial Mass and reception in honor of Letizia will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, 85 E Genesee St, Auburn, NY 13021, 315-252-0710, or to the University of Rochester Medical Center Palliative Care Program, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care.aspx, in memory of Letizia. Funeral arrangements are by Langham Funeral Home, LLC. Please visit www.Langhamfuneralhomellc.com to leave a condolence for the family.