Antoinette (Brescia) DeMetri

Mrs. Antoinette M. (Brescia) DeMetri, age 85, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving husband by her side. Born in Utica on August 6, 1923, Antoinette was the daughter of the late Frank and Marian (Cliberto) Brescia. She was raised and educated locally. On June 26, 1981 she was married to Gregory J. DeMetri with whom she shared 27 years in a loving and devoted union filled with love and respect. During her working life, Antoinette was employed for 16 years as an assembler in the radio receiver department at the General Electric Company. The love of family was the most important aspect of her life, and her husband, children and grandchildren brought much joy to her. She not only shared her love with her family, but she also formed meaningful relationships with She will be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her for her ability to create friendships out of acquaintances. A lively woman, she enjoyed dancing, especially line dancing, and she truly loved all types of entertainment. She embarked on daily rides to Sylvan Beach to sightsee or fish, and Sundays always brought happiness to her life as she prepared the traditional Italian dinner for her family. A parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, Antoinette was devoted to her faith and was thankful for the celebration of a weekly Tuesday Mass at her home with Father LaFache, and often attended the Interfaith Mass with her husband and dear friend, Rose Reesh. Antoinette is survived by her husband, Gregory; her daughters and son-in-law, Leona and Francis R. Briggs, and Barbara Ward, all of Utica. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Gary W. Ward, who passed away on January 10, 1990. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Francis James Foley, who passed away on June 26, 1990. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Pamela Foley-Graves of Richfield Springs, and her step-son and daughter-in-law, Gregory M. and Karen DeMetri of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Andrea Briggs-Hook, Jeffery P. Foley, William Briggs and his companion, Jessica, Andrew Foley, Carl Ward, Francis Foley, Jr., Kelly and Oscar Grimes, Adam Jeffery Foley, and her step-grandson, Gregg DeMetri; her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Shaylynn, Samantha, Tyler, Leland, and Olivia. Survivors also include her sisters, Mary Brodowski of Utica, and Angeline Doane of Sherrill; many nieces, with special mention of Joanne Owens, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law, Nally DeMetri. She was predeceased by many members of her extended family. Visitation will be held Saturday from 3:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Antoinette’s honor to the Masonic Care Community of NY; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Antoinette’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday evening at 5:00 at the funeral home immediately following visitation with Rev. Anthony LaFache officiating.

Antoinette (Brescia) DeMetri

August 6, 1923 - May 13, 2009