Antonia "Antoinette" (Esposito) Maneen

Mrs. Antonia "Antoinette" (Esposito) Maneen, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. with the love and support of her family. Born in Pianopoli, Italy, Antonia was the daughter of the late Vincent and Josephine (Pelli) Esposito. As a child, she immigrated to the United States with her family and settled in Utica where she was raised and educated. It was in St. Anthony of Padua Church on October 5, 1957 that she wed Samuel J. Maneen with whom she shared a 51-year partnership until his passing on August 20, 2009; as a couple, they were inseparable and together they enjoyed life’s simple pleasures like gardening and playing cards. Antoinette is now eternally with her beloved Sam. During her working life, Antoinette was employed for 40 years at the Joseph & Feiss Company. A strong, nurturing woman, she cared for everyone close to her, and was especially devoted to her mother with whom she shared a close-knit kinship and a deep bond. After retiring from the workplace, she focused on her culinary creativity because she loved to see her family enjoy her cuisine. She was blessed with extraordinary strength of mind and body which formed the bedrock of her great love for her family. She seldom sat down since she was always making sure her family was content, and her loved ones will remember her as a talented cook whose delicious dishes were always prepared with a dash of love, especially their traditional Sunday dinner. She was a communicant of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Antoinette is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Luciann M. and Robert W. Gould of West Frankfort; and her grandchildren, Joshua Diliberto of Charlotte, NC, Bryan Diliberto of Latham, NY, and David Gould of W. Frankfort. Survivors also include her nephews, especially acknowledging Tony Esposito, who has been by her side throughout her illness, Vincent Esposito, and Tim Esposito; her cousins; her in-laws, Carmelita Esposito of Utica, and Anthony and Rosalie Maneen of NH; her best friend, Linda Ferraro of Rochester, and her dear friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Vincent A. Esposito, and Thomas J. and Jean C. Esposito; and her in-laws, Nick and Betsy Maneen. The family is grateful to the entire staff of the Cedar Wing at the Presbyterian Home for CNY; they were Antoinette’s extended family who offered much care, dignity, love, and respect as great humanitarians, making her final years comfortable. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 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 Alzheimer's Association or the Cedar Wing of the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Antoinette's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Anthony LaFache officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Antonia "Antoinette" (Esposito) Maneen

December 11, 1919 - October 24, 2009