Anne R. "Aunt Nina" (Altieri) Garner

Anne R. (Altieri) Garner, affectionately known to her family as “Aunt Nina”, age 88, of Utica, passed away on Good Friday, April 6, 2012 in the comfort of her son’s home with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on August 16, 1923, Anne was the daughter of the late Angelo and Mary (LaPaglia) Altieri. Raised and educated locally, she attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School, and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1941. Anne began her working life at Bossert Manufacturing Company, and later held a secretarial position with a Utica contractor located at Griffiss Air Force Base. The next chapter in her career was set in the U.S. Government Defense Department where she held a position that provided her an opportunity to work in Germany and travel throughout Europe, North Africa, and Canada. Anne reflected upon this time of her life as adventurous, rewarding, and certainly memorable. She returned to Utica in 1962, continuing with the Department of Defense, retiring in 1985. But Anne’s greatest vocation was being a mother, and she shared a strong bond of closeness with her son. She always impressed upon him the importance of the traits she admired in him, those of a kind-hearted and respectful man. Anne had the ability to be a friend in times of need, and was a woman of gentle social graces. She loved to converse, often talking of her travels. Motivated by love and a desire to help, she was involved in the PTA when raising her son, and volunteered her time at the Hope House. She loved to be in the company of her family, travel to Washington, DC to visit the favorite people in her life, and to sightsee. As a gifted artist, Anne’s talents were seen in the many paintings that adorned her home, as well as the home of her son and daughter-in-law. She was blessed with a calling to serve her Catholic faith as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and participating member of parish life, as a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Anne is survived by her cherished son and daughter-in-law, Mark A., Sr. and Laurie Garner; and her grandsons, Mark A. Garner, Jr., and Christopher Garner. In addition, she leaves her favored sister-in-law, Marge Owens, and her nephew, Bruce Altieri, with whom she shared a special bond, as well as his wife Tracy; nieces and nephews, Sam and Cathy Altieri, Joanna and Greg King, Louis and Cindy Altieri, Diane and Jodie Hunter, Andrea Cappelli, Lisa Cappelli, and Millie Harron; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Anne came to know some wonderful people during her journey of life - her “soul sister” from Sitrin, Maggie Giacovelli, who was the activities director, her dear friends of the Busy Bodies at her parish, and Peggy Woodard. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Archie and Anne Altieri, John and Ann Altieri, and Louis Altieri; her sisters and brother-in-law, Angela and Andrew Cappelli, and Angelina Altieri who passed away as a young child; her nephew Joseph Harron; and her friend, Rose Rizzo. The family wishes to thank Dr. Naji El-Khoury for his honesty and professional guidance; the staff of Cedar Brook Assisted Living at Sitrin for their patience and understanding; the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Ortho Unit for their immediate connection and outstanding care; the caregivers of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for their devotion, professional and personal attention. Anne was graced with the blessings of her savior and the prayers and faith-filled moments shared with special persons surrounding her during her journey. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may consider a memorial contribution to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Anne’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Anne R. "Aunt Nina" (Altieri) Garner

August 16, 1923 - April 6, 2012