Mrs. Barbara (Karelus) Taurisano

UTICA – Mrs. Barbara (Karelus) Taurisano, age 77, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Barbara’s parents, the late Jan Peter and Magdalena (Kubina) Karelus, both of Polish descent, met in Germany following WWII. On February 25, 1946, Barbara was born in Maczkow and at the age of four emigrated from Germany with her parents and two younger brothers. Upon arriving in the United States, the Karelus family lived in Martinsburg, NY for a brief period before relocating to New Haven, CT where she spent much of her childhood. The family ultimately settled in Lowville, NY establishing a family farming business on Flat Rock Road. Her experiences living in a new country, working on the family farm, and caring for her younger brothers and sister instilled in Barbara an integrity and work ethic she carried with her through life. Barbara graduated from Lowville Academy with the class of 1964 and then moved to Utica to pursue her associate degree from M.V.C.C. Although never living again in Lowville, she visited often and her love for her parents and siblings was unwavering. Barbara was extremely proud of her Polish heritage and though she and her husband Chuck enjoyed multiple trips to Europe, most special to Barbara were her two trips to Poland, where she met her family that resided there for the first time. On September 27, 1969, she married Charles A. “Chuck” Taurisano at St. Hedwig’s Church in Houseville. They were so happy to marry in the fall as it was when they met and fell in love. They celebrated 54 wonderful years together and built their marriage on respect, love, and the raising of their two girls, of whom they always made their priority. Before starting her family, Barbara worked at the former Marine Midland Bank as a teller. As she and Chuck began their family, her most important consideration was caring for the well-being of her girls. Barbara ultimately returned to the work force and held a position in the Continuing Education Office at Utica College of Syracuse University. Barbara was a kind and gentle soul, strong, and always selfless. She was an outstanding mother and shared many beautiful traditions with her daughters and grandchildren, leaving them with several fond memories. Barbara enjoyed connecting with new acquaintances and old friends, she always listened patiently, and took pleasure in offering her personal stories and experiences. She possessed a loving heart above all else. Friendships were extremely important to her, and she and Chuck were fortunate to have many cherished friendships they enjoyed through the years. They especially enjoyed their longtime friends they affectionately called the “reunion committee”. Barbara savored the time spent meeting her girlfriends from high school at Brantingham Lake. She also enjoyed the hobby of playing dominos every Friday with a tight group of friends. Barbara enjoyed cooking and baking many specialty items that were cherished by her family and friends, most especially by her grandchildren, who called her “Mimi”. She loved tending to plants and flowers, a love she shared with her mother, and she took pride in nurturing the many flowers in her home and garden. She served as an officer of the Garden Club, preparing their annual yearbook and organizing many club trips. She considered herself a faithful member of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. If Barbara were to reflect upon her own life, she would be so pleased to have married the love of her life, to have been blessed with two delightful daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law and so fortunate for her time with her four grandchildren that gave her so much joy. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband Chuck; her daughters, Nicole Taurisano Albert and her husband Edward, and Kristin Taurisano Ferrante and her husband Christopher; her grandchildren, Edward and Michael Albert, and Charles and Daniella Ferrante. She will live on in the hearts of her siblings and their spouses, John and Judy Karelus, Andrew Karelus, Henry and Jane Karelus, and Kristina and Scott Allen. She leaves her memory to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially including Philip and Barbara Taurisano; her in-laws, LeeAnn and James Solan; and her late brother-in-law, James Taurisano (2010). As a couple, Barbara and Chuck made so many wonderful friends and her husband will cherish the many delightful memories. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony C. and Lena E. (Cavalier) Taurisano; and her nephew, Scott Solan. The Taurisano family is so grateful for the kindness and compassion of so many friends who have shown their love for Barbara. Many sincere words have been spoken, which has been of encouragement to her loved ones. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barbara’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Barbara (Karelus) Taurisano

February 25, 1946 - November 22, 2023