Mrs. Anne M. (DeFabio) Cragnolin

UTICA - Mrs. Anne M. (DeFabio) Cragnolin, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at the Sitrin Health Care Center. Born in Utica on May 28, 1925, Anne was the daughter of the late Arnold L. and Marie (DeFazio) DeFabio. She attended T.R. Proctor High School and was proud to further her studies and attain her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Utica School of Nursing. In 1944 she married Herman J. Cragnolin with whom she shared 46 years. He passed away on May 6, 1990. Anne worked as a private duty nurse in residence at many area homes. One of her proudest accomplishments was her vocation as a health care provider. She was the quintessential caregiver, blessed with the attributes of empathy, compassion, and kindness. She was passionate in providing personalized care to each of those who were under her watchful eye. Anne was also a wonderful matriarch. She was a great listener and could be trusted as a confidant not only to her children, but also to family, friends, and neighbors. She was a woman who shared her words of wisdom with people who appreciated her advice. She was able to see into their souls and say what was in her heart as a way to help ease their burden. She had a generous spirit, often selfless in her own intentions, and she was comfortable with herself. During the sunset years of her life, she was thankful for every little blessing that filled each day. Even throughout her peaks and valleys, she was consistent in caring for others. Anne was proud to have raised her boys to be men of integrity. She provided them with a quality education and a home of their own. She was a congenial host and holidays were important to her. She was a great cook and a superb baker, and her specialty meals were savored by everyone. Anne’s adventurous side was seen when she danced so gracefully to many measures of music and songs. She was an avid NY Yankees fan. Anne was a child of the Greatest Generation, an era that embraced responsibility and love for all. She found comfort in the Lord and displayed great faith in times of trial. She practiced her spirituality at St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church. Anne is survived by her sons and their loves, Robert and Karen Cragnolin, and David Cragnolin and Pamela Turner. She held precious to her heart the memory of her son, Richard Cragnolin, who passed away on May 8, 1961. She also leaves her grandchildren, Nikki and Adam Harris, and Cody Cragnolin; great-grandchild, Noah Robert Harris; nieces and nephews, Darlene and Bruce Evans, Jamie DeFabio, Michael and Carol Cragnolin, Suzanne and Rocco DiPierro, Donna and Don Cooper, Danny and Debbie Cragnolin, Arnie and Sally DeFabio, Mike and Stacy DeFabio, Robert Manus, and Jill Cardelfe. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Carol DeFabio, Rudy and Rita Cragnolin; and the many blessed friendships that graced her life. She also knew the respect and regard of Bob Lalli, Dorothy Salerno, Joan Girardi, Paul Remizowski, and Bob Sirianni. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Gus Manus; her brother, Arnold DeFabio, Jr.; and her in-laws, Ercole “Red” and Kathleen Cragnolin. The family is grateful to Anne’s physician and the staffs of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, the Sitrin Rehabilitation Center, and the Chestnut Household for their care and compassion; and Fr. Saba Shofany for his spiritual guidance, prayers, and visits. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anne’s Memorial gathering which will be held at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 2:00-4:00. All are invited to attend Anne’s Memorial Mass which will be held on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 at Saint Basil Greek Melkite Catholic Church, 901 Sherman Drive, Utica, NY 13501.

Mrs. Anne M. (DeFabio) Cragnolin

May 28, 1925 - August 17, 2017