Mrs. Catherine "Dolly" (Mancuso) Albison

EAST UTICA - Mrs. Catherine “Dolly” (Mancuso) Albison, age 87, joined those who went before her on Monday, May 22, 2017 as she peacefully passed away at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her son Jimmy and those she loved by her side. Born in Patterson, NJ on June 28, 1929, Catherine was the daughter of the late Frank and Lucia (Occhipinti) Mancuso. She was the seventh of nine siblings, and because she so resembled a doll and was always wheeled about in a doll carriage, she was called “Dolly”, a nickname that remained with her throughout her life. She was raised and educated in Utica and went to work during her teen years to help out with the family’s finances. On September 2, 1950 she married her true love, Robert “Bob” Albison, Sr. with whom she shared 23 years. Although they were seemingly opposites, they were perfect examples of the yin-yang philosophy since they actually complemented and connected with each other, a balance that gave rise to their successful marriage. Her beloved Bob passed away on December 3, 1973. Dolly’s caring nature led her to a career as a successful nanny to many wonderful families in this city before it was a popular occupation. She was a blessing to many children, from infancy to school age, the last being Danny Leahy, who was the “apple of her eye”. She provided them with pastimes and a peaceful, happy environment while she cared for them. She played a part in the development of their young minds, was proud of each of them, and loved them dearly. She also watched her nieces and nephews as well as their children. She had her rules but was always interested in making their day interesting and fun. She found the beauty in each of the kids and was uplifting and inspiring. These children, who are now adults, still keep in touch with Dolly because she was an amazing woman who gave them her hugs and her heart when she cared for them years ago. Although she may have had a tough exterior, what really surfaced was her inner softness! So, for all of you who would like to remember or get to know the real “Dolly”, here are some highlights of her life: She was hysterical in her honesty in saying what she was really thinking —- unfiltered. She was non-judgmental and loved to converse and communicate with a vast variety of people. She went without, gracefully and quietly. Her boys, Jimmy, Bobby, and Guy, whose names she often mixed up, were her whole world. She had the roar of a lion, but had a heart of gold. She had many chapters in her life, each reflecting different people, places, and phases. When her husband and all her children were home, they left a lasting impression on her life. She loved her siblings and their children… and she always had a story. When she was a child, she wanted to play the piano and sing, but instead… she whistled with proficiency and was happy pursuing this pastime. Among her favorite ‘Dolly-isms’ were: Never say goodbye, but say rather so long or see you later. Dolly began traditions that are still upheld today. She loved fresh Italian bread and brought it along on any visit. She made traditional Sunday dinner - pasta, sauce, and meatballs. And it would be a mortal sin if anyone had the audacity to use sauce from a jar! She maintained lifelong, sister-like friendships. She was a woman who gave, even when she thought she couldn’t. She always shared. She was a great shopper and she used coupons, compared prices, made wise choices, calculated the best value, and could spot a sale a mile away. She was a caregiver and a confidant. She gave her opinion and advice usually with options so that someone could solve their problem. She was a good listener, wise beyond her own imagination. She was blessed with a great constitution and was an independent woman. But as her physical condition changed with age, she posed the question, “If these are supposed to be the Golden Years, why were they becoming a bit rusty?”. Dolly never lost her humor or her honest comments. Back in the day, she loved to go dancing. She hailed from a harmonious, happy, musically-inclined family, and every family event was celebrated with pure joy, singing, and dancing. As a matriarch and mother, her best blessing was her three boys. She protected them, provided for them, and made them promise never to “hate”. Dolly had an open-door policy to all and never judged anyone. She lived her life through the eyes of the Lord and his ways. She believed in God and saw that her children received all their Sacraments. Dolly is survived by her devoted and loving son, James “Jimmy” Albison, who she affectionately referred to as “Jim Jim”. She held close to her heart the memory of her sons, Robert Albison Jr. who passed away on September 14, 2012, and Guy who passed on March 24, 2005. She also knew the love of her grandson, Eric Kirk Albison; her step-grandchildren, Christine, Beth, Rae, and Robert “Bud”, Jr. Albin-Albison and their spouses. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Theresa Mancuso, and Joann Mancuso; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, her sisters-in-law, Agnes Mancuso of FL and Doris Mancuso of CA, her sister-like friend, Pat Golden, and her special sidekick, Rose Cavuto, and her daughter Kim Cavuto. During her life, she won the affection and friendship of Danny Mendoza, Vince Scalise, Annette Conte, Thalia Hunter, Denise Gregory, Darlene King, Betty Hoffman, Tommy Torchia, David and Dana Mallozzi, George Sfeir, Linda Williams and Gail Joseph. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Raymond Cardillo, Sr., Sara and Dean De Stefano, Connie and John Cittadino, and Kaye and Carl Hajdasz; her brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph Mancuso, Orazio Mancuso, Frank P. Mancuso, and Anthony and Rose Mancuso; two special nephews, Raymond Cardillo Jr., and David Mancuso; her #1 sister-like friend Marion Niznik; and her dear friends Rose Conte, and Dolores Sbiroli. The family is grateful to her physician, Dr. Bhisham Garg. Dolly also appreciated the care of the wonderful staff of the Lutheran Active Day Care. Jimmy also extends thanks to the many wonderful and thoughtful people who have been so good to Dolly these past years. Your kind deeds will not be forgotten. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Dolly’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow in Glenside Cemetery in New York Mills.

Mrs. Catherine "Dolly" (Mancuso) Albison

June 28, 1929 - May 22, 2017