Disanto, Irene L. “Bootie”

ALBANY - Irene “Bootie” DiSanto, 78, and a life long resident of Albany, NY, passed away after a very long and courageous fight on Friday, September 6, 2013. She died at home where she was the happiest. She was an inspiration to all that had the pleasure of meeting her. Her sense of humor was renowned, her spirit unmatchable and her laugh unmistakable, She would give to others even at the expense of having nothing herself. She was a remarkable woman and will be missed by all. Her greatest accomplishments in her life were her three daughters whom she loved unconditionally. They were her joy.

She retired after 20 years from the Albany Police Department where she was a crossing guard. She was infamous for her dancing in the streets and curtsy while she crossed “Her” kids and directed traffic. She truly loved what she did. Her passion was watching Dancing with the Stars, Judge Judy, The Young and the Restless and playing Cash Word scratch offs.

She leaves behind broken hearted, her daughters, Christina DiSanto, Jo Anna DiSanto Baldwin and Johnna (John) DiScipio; her grandchildren, Joshua DiScipio, Joseph Deitz (Makenzie), Jessica DiScipio, Samantha DiSanto and Alexis DiSanto; her sister, and best friend, Evey Ray; brother Donald “Ducky” Ray and her dear friends “Sister-in-Law” Cindy and “Sissy” Brenda; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, John H. Ray and Irene L. Ray; brothers, Joseph Ray and John Ray.

Heartfelt gratitude to her extended family at Community Hospice of Albany county who took such great care of her for so long; her sister in spirit, Mona Monett; her current nurse, Christine; her previous nurse, Becky, Adrienne and Lisa as well as the remainder of the staff, past and present, that contributed to her care and comfort. A special thank you to Sister Eleanor and Michael Pastore from St. Vincent de Paul Parish as they often visited her to administer Holy Communion and prayers, and Dr. Roberta Miller and Robin Connolly at Homemedical Associates for their care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 900 Madison Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany on Monday, September 9, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 or Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204