Mrs. Lena (Finocchiaro) Tebsherany

Mrs. Antonina “Lena” (Finocchiaro) Tebsherany, age 93, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2014 in the comfort of her home with those who loved her most by her side. Born in Syracuse on August 20, 1921, Lena was the daughter of the late Natale and Concetta (Nicotra) Finocchiaro; she spent her youth in Canastota. On July 18, 1942, Lena married James J. “Teby” Tebsherany; they focused their lives and goodness around family, and they knew each other’s hearts. She kept his memory alive well after his passing on February 9, 1985. Everyone who was fortunate to have a Mom as precious as Lena could say a million wonderful things about the many memories that good women of this era provided for their families. Her children’s testimony speaks of a supportive woman who encouraged them to live their dreams even when they seemed impossible. She thought it was her job to defend them against the world. Yet, it was her intuitive nature that made them understand reality. Her family was her top priority and caring for them and her home was paramount. She was a masterful cook and graciously blended both the Italian and Arabic cuisines. Her table was bountiful and it was often said that she cooked for the masses, and she herself never filled a plate until all were fed. Holidays, and all the sacraments that her family received were celebrated, and the memories that were created from these events were surely proof of how much she loved them. Her home was kept meticulously; each day of the week she habitually cleaned a part of it, and Tuesdays and Fridays were the two days she allowed herself to tend to personal needs. If you looked around you would see her precious Fenton glassware collection all about, and photos and gifts that others gave her proudly displayed. Lena was wise in so many ways. She never forgot where she came from and remembered each of her siblings and their loves which gave her a strong foundation for the way she raised her own children and cared for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She afforded herself a pastime and that was watching old westerns and game shows; she even enjoyed “Dancing With the Stars” because it was a reminder of one of her own passions of gracing the dance floor. Her home parish was St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church. She prayed each morning and was always accepting of receiving the body of Christ, and her Catholic faith was of the greatest comfort to her. When Lena left this life, she took her faith with her but left a legacy that was filled with great love which she shared with her four children; they will carry in their hearts her motherly advice and the concerns that she had for each of them. And as Lena would have it please remember that at the end of each thought she would say, “And all that too…” Lena is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra T. and Anthony G. Showa of Utica; her sons and daughter-in-law, James J. Tebsherany of New Hartford, Joseph F. and Gigi Tebsherany of Naples, FL, and Rocco J. Tebsherany with whom she shared a home. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Mary Beth Witte, Rebecca E. Blaise, Joseph James and Tina Marie Showa; Kristin Marie Brown, Richelle Lynn Tenge, Michael and Jennifer Tebsherany; and Justin and Carley Hogan. She will always be in the hearts of her great grandchildren, Alexa, Nicole, and Brooke Witte; Kaitlyn, and Allyson Blaise; and Bionca, and Anthony Showa. In addition she leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Marion Finocchiaro, Helen and John Jacobs, Comille Tebsherany, Jeanie Tebsherany, and Joanne Czerw. Lena was the last survivor of her eight siblings and their spouses, Conzetti A. “Connie” and Josephine Finocchiaro, Louis and Katherine Finocchiaro, Angelo and Ruth Finocchiaro, Samuel Finocchiaro, Joseph and Dorothy Finocchiaro, Kate and Anthony Luczak, Mary Galizano, and Santa and Peter Todora, Sr.; and her in-laws, Joseph and Sarah Tebsherany and their children, Joseph Tebsherany, Emil and Helen Tebsherany (who passed away on November 16, 2014), Eva Kassis, and Olga and Fred Layaou; her nephew, Peter Todora, Jr.; niece, Shelly Andrews; and her son-in-law’s mother and her long time best friend, Sally C. Showa. The family is grateful to Dr. Emil Wassel and his staff, and the wonderful staff of Dr. Steven LaGrant. As Lena’s journey became more homebound, the family welcomed the comforting care of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; they were blessed with RN Mary Ellen and numerous aides who tended to Lena with such dignity and kindness. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings. Lena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta and Rev. Saba Shofany. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Lena (Finocchiaro) Tebsherany

August 20, 1921 - November 17, 2014