Ardyce Jean Dilapo

Ardyce Jean DiLapo, 74 of Perry passed away peacefully with the sunlight on her face on Friday June 2, 2017at Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home in Perry after a valiant fight with ovarian cancer. Her strong will to live and the love and prayers of her family, friends, caregivers and supporters carried her through her 7 year battle. Even though her own struggle with cancer, she reached out to others affected by the horrendous disease and offered them comfort and support.

Adryce was born on January 19,1943 in Buffalo, NY to the late Arthur DiLapo and Janet (Hogan) Reynard. Throughout her school career, Ardyce was very active in the drama club. She participated in numerous plays dancing, singing and acting. She graduated from Riverside High School in 1960. After School, Ardyce went to modeling school and had a short modeling career. She continued ballet and was in many more productions throughout her 20’s. A proud moment in her young years was when she participated in the Miss Buffalo pageant. Ardyce went on to work for the Tonawanda police department as a dispatcher and rape counselor for many years, showing her love for helping others through their struggles. Ardyce took the correctional officer test and scored highly and was a very proud to learn of her acceptance into the NY State Correctional Academy in 1989. She showed great strength throughout the academy and went on to complete it and continue her career as a Correctional officer for 19 years until her retirement in 2008. Ardyce received many awards from the NY state corrections for exemplary attendance proving what a devoted hard worker she was. After retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling to Treasure Island in Florida for extended visits to get away from the cold New York winters. Ardyce loved the sunshine and beach. She would sit on the beach for hours just reading her favorite books with her toes in the sand and she made many friends there. Ardyce always put forth effort to look her best no matter how ill she felt because as she always said, “It is hard being a sex symbol.” Family and friends were Ardyce’s passion and delight. There was nothing more Ardyce liked better than a conversation with good friends and family. She was known for her ease in frequent conversation even with total strangers. Ardyce possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Anyone who met Ardyce and sat down with her enjoyed their time with her. She is described by many as a wonderful, sweet, loving woman who was independent and had great strength.

Adryce is survived by her children Jeffrey M. Hardy of Buffalo, Tabatha A. (Hardy) Christianson and fiancé Dino Trafficante of Tampa, Fl, Eric J. Hardy and his wife Tanya of Lutz, Fl, Kurt D. Meciszewski of Buffalo, Marcy L. (Meciszewski) Holderer and her favorite son-in-law Paul Holderer of Castile. She was a grandmother to 12 grandchildren Aaron and Shane Hardy, Anthony Cocilova, Clover Christianson, Chaz Fermin, Nicholas Hardy, Taylor, Gracie and Joey Meciszewski, Austin and Tehya Slusser and Ella Holderer. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.

Adryce requested a Celebration of her Life to be held on June 25th from 1-5pm at the Hole in the Wall Restaurant located at 7056 Standpipe Rd. in Perry.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually including Hospice, Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home and the many volunteers there, and the family and friends. Ardyce’s last wish was that everyone remember the good times they had with her and share memories among each other often and that her children all get along with each other.

Memorial contributions can be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, New York 14530. Where Ardyce was well cared for and made to feel like a queen during her last month of life.