Deva M. (Rosano) Morice

Mrs. Deva (Rosano) Morice, age 102, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 27, 2014 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Facility while in her sleep. Born in Utica on September 7, 1911 to Italian immigrants Gaetano and Josephine (Rio) Rosano; Deva grew up in Utica without any brothers or sisters and attended local schools. After her graduation from the Utica School of Commerce, she worked for Sunnyborn Taylor’s, a typesetting and printing company, as well as Joseph & Feiss, a clothing manufacturer. Deva married Salvatore Morice on September 4, 1939; she loved her husband and shared with him a union of love and devotion for over 42 years. Sal died in 1981. Over the years, she resided on Broad St., Blandina St., Webster Ave., and Rutger St., and for the last 15 years she lived independently at the Mt. Carmel Apartments Senior Housing with support services from Senior Network Health. To celebrate her 100th birthday, her sons hosted a family dinner at Grimaldi’s Restaurant, and the tenants who share her building also held a birthday party for her. Deva was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church where she served as president of the St. Agnes Altar Rosary Society for several years. She loved working, as well as being a mother to her two sons, Guy and Joe. During retirement, Deva and Sal did a lot of traveling, visiting countries in Europe including Italy, where she met the Pope; France, and England, where she met Queen Elizabeth. These were great memories for her. Deva left a lasting impression on all the people she met. Her loving smile, tender eyes, and her humorous side touched the hearts of everyone, while her expression of love for life shined through. Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Guy and Carol Morice, and Joe and Carol Morice; her cherished granddaughter, Janine Morice; step-granddaughter, Dana Solomon; sister-in-law, Mary Gianotti; and numerous loving family members. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joseph Booth, the staff at Senior Network, the residents of the Mt. Carmel Apartments, and Selma Duracak, for their special acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. Deva’s family honored her life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions may be considered to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish Memorial Fund; envelopes will be available at the service or directed to 648 Jay Street, Utica, NY 13501. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Deva M. (Rosano) Morice

September 7, 1911 - January 27, 2014