AUBURN - Maria Ann Napoli, 42, formerly of 6443 Parkwood Lane, Auburn, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, in her home following a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. She was, as through her entire fight with this terrible disease, in the presence of her loving family.

Maria was a life resident of Auburn and was a graduate of Auburn High School and the Auburn International School of Beauty. Until her illness forced her to stop working in 1988, Maria was a self-employed hair dresser, having owned and operated Maria's Unisex Styling Shop on Clark Street. She was an accomplished artist and pianist. Maria was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church.

Maria is survived by her devoted parents, Alfred E. "Fred" Napoli and Shirley A. Nesci Napoli; a sister, Catherine Barlow and her husband, Bill of Auburn; two aunts, Ida Jorgensen of Syracuse and Helen Napoli of Auburn and several cousins.

Maria is further survived by her extended family; the family of wonderful nurses who had exhibited such loving care to her over the years, in particular her close friend, Nurse Lynn Slobodiak.

Friends are invited to join the family at 1 p.m. Saturday for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Alphonsus Church. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum. Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark St., Auburn.

Donations may be made in this beautiful, energetic and courageous young woman's memory, to the St. Alphonsus Building Memorial Fund, 10 S. Lewis St., Auburn, NY 13021.