Mrs. Catherine M. (Hancock) Cognetto

NORTH UTICA - Mrs. Catherine M. (Hancock) Cognetto, age 70, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 2, 1946, Catherine was the daughter of the late Richard “Bill” and Frances (Harrigan) Hancock. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. In the 1970’s, while a young mom, Cathy attended school part time and received her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Becoming an LPN started a life long association with Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare working as a nurse in the 1970’s and returning as a volunteer. Although she served as president of the Volunteer Association, she relished the direct patient contact the most. In 1977 she married Anthony J. Cognetto, Sr., affectionately remembered as “Tony Upstate.” They shared a loving partnership and always cared for each other’s needs. Always present and supportive to her husband, she set aside her nursing career and became officially known as “The Bookeeper” for their family business, Upstate Furniture. In the early 1990’s and with the help of her family, especially Terry Cognetto, Catherine won her battle with breast cancer. Catherine had a quiet side and a special way of offering sensible solutions to problems while being sensitive and non-judgmental. She was supportive to others yet always grateful for any kindness that came her way. In essence, she was a private soul who balanced her life with a sense of independence, and she made it look easy. Her greatest joy was the blessing of her son and the eternal love and respect they shared. Her life was lifted to a new level when she and Tony became grandparents. They enjoyed the grandkids in so many ways and will be fondly remembered for the love they gave and the pride they carried for them. Catherine’s spirituality was very important and she held a special place in her heart for Mary. She would encourage others to pray to Mary when in need because “Jesus could never say no to his own mother.” She never asked for anything except that things would “work out for the best.” Catherine is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Norman J. and Valerie Cognetto of New Hartford; and her adored grandchildren, Nicholas and Christian Cognetto. She was recently delighted to embrace Norman’s half siblings into their lives, Rick and Anne, and Joanne and Pierce and their children Valerie and Rachel. This relationship was a blessing and a joyful surprise and made for a more complete family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony J. Cognetto in October of 2005, and her step-son, Anthony J. Cognetto, Jr. in February of 2000. She is also survived by her step-daughters Gina, and Terry; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Janice and Bill Martin, and Eileen and John Jurian; her brothers and sister-in-law, Jim and Marlene Hancock, and Billy Hancock; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws of the Cognetto family. She also leaves her lifelong friends and one of Cathy and Tony’s favorite couples to socialize with, Hanne and Julius Saurini, and Roger Cardone who was more family than friend. She was predeceased by her aunt, Sheila McDaniels and her in-laws, Vincent Nicholas Cognetto Jr., and Frances Campanile. The family would like to offer a special and heartfelt appreciation for Aunt Sheila, Aunt Marion and Uncle Norman for being there for Catherine when she needed them the most. She also leaves her special companion and loyal puppy “Toto” who never left her side. The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Amy Gorzynski and the staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their compassionate and the exceptional care they selflessly gave to our family throughout her stay. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Cathy loved white daisies, and for those wishing to express an act of kindness, please plant a packet of daisy seeds so her memory may live on. Catherine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 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 graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Catherine M. (Hancock) Cognetto

September 2, 1946 - July 13, 2017