Mrs. Carol M. (Cornelius) Gilbert

Mrs. Carol M. (Cornelius) Gilbert, age 81, crossed over peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the Abraham House with her loving family by her side. Born in Rochester on December 24, 1934, Carol was the daughter of the late Emil “Toots” and Victoria (Rafalka) Cornelius. She was a graduate of Nazareth Academy. On February 7, 1959 she married Terrance D. “Terry” Gilbert with whom she shared 55 years in a union filled with fun and love, a happiness which carried over to her family. Terry passed away on December 6, 2014. For a number of years, Carol held a secretarial position with the Xerox Company in Rochester. When she relocated to the Utica area she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank. She subsequently held employment with a government engineering company at Griffiss Air Force Base, the position from which she retired. Carol was very gracious and ladylike. She had a smile on her face that accompanied her whimsical and witty personality. She also had the resolve to stand firm in her beliefs and uphold a high moral code. She was courageous and forthright in times of trouble. She was a mom who wanted her children to live happy and productive lives. Carol was a ‘hostess with the mostest’ who enjoyed entertaining with her husband during their career years. Christmas Eve was the highlight of all the holidays and a time to celebrate the season —- as well as her birthday! She was also a fervent reader of mystery novels. She spent winters in Ft. Meyers and Key West in Florida, a reward for a lifetime of work. She loved her canine companion, Jake, who touched her soul. She believed in her Lord and prayed for peace and wisdom. She found spiritual solace in reciting prayer cards and was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Carol is survived by her daughter, Casey Gilbert, with whom she shared a home and was her primary caregiver; her son and daughter-in-law, Terrence C. II and Cherie Nappi-Gilbert of Utica; her grandchildren, Danielle Cozza-Whiteley and her husband A.J.; and her great-grandchildren, Albert “AJ” Whiteley, Eugenio “Geno” Whiteley, and Amalia Whiteley. Her extended family includes her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws Jan Cornelius, William Willer, and Audrey Cornelius; her many wonderful friends; and her thoughtful neighbors. She was predeceased by her siblings, Donald Cornelius, Dolores Willer, and Joseph Cornelius. The family extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Scott Brehaut who gave guidance and made all the difference; Dr. Manzurul Sikder, and N.P. Susan Griffith for their professional expertise; her daughter Casey who was her caretaker and gave so much to enhance her life and enable her to remain social; and the staff of the Abraham House which was a safe haven for Carol and her loved ones; they will always remain in the hearts of the family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carol’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Please consider a donation to Abraham House in memory of Carol.

Mrs. Carol M. (Cornelius) Gilbert

December 24, 1934 - August 10, 2016