Eda F. (Gillette) Cardinal

Mrs. Eda F. (Gillette) Cardinal, age 87, of N. Utica, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2006, at the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in W. Palm Beach, FL. Her family was by her side at the time of her passing. Born in Schenectady, NY, on August 26, 1918, Eda was the daughter of the late Antonio and Assunta (Pecci) Gillette. Raised and educated in the Utica area, she graduated from Utica Free Academy. On August 16, 1941 she married Francis J. "Buster" Cardinal, Jr. with whom she shared a blessed union of 56 years, one that was filled with their steadfast devotion to one another. Mr. Cardinal passed away on December 28, 1997. Eda was a longtime employee at the General Electric facility on Broad St. where she worked as a secretary and research librarian, the position from which she retired. Deeply dedicated to her husband, Eda considered him a major priority in her life. As a natural and nurturing caregiver, she devoted herself to caring for him, tending to his needs. So attentive was she that it is doubtful that he could have survived without her. As a truly exemplary mother to her loved ones, she offered them the same determination and commitment that she provided for her husband. Always firm and strong in her attitudes, opinions, and principles, Eda was consistently true to herself and to her beliefs, as well as ever loyal to all her family members. These admirable values were an important part of the lessons she taught her children. One specific demonstration of her unshakable and abiding concern for her loved ones was her practice of always being very open and straightforward in sharing her opinions, thoughts, and guidance with them, even when her advice ran counter to what they may have wanted to hear. In more recent years, Eda's grandchildren have been a source of pride and joy for her. She took a wholehearted interest in their lives and in their activities, and they, in turn, offered her their love and respect, especially relishing her notable culinary skills. Eda had a number of personal pastimes. She loved to cook and also liked sewing. She enjoyed playing golf on local courses, especially the Skenandoa and Valley View. Imbued with a civic and patriotic spirit, she regularly volunteered her time and efforts to serve as a local pollster. In addition, she was a member of the North Utica Community Center and a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Mrs. Cardinal is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Fred Miller of Fort Mill, SC; two sons, Frank J. Cardinal III of Wappingers Falls, NY and Jennifer Nelson, and Richard A. "Rick" Cardinal of N. Utica; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Her survivors also include a sister, Helen Alfano of Whitesboro; a sister-in-law, Antoinette Gillette of Utica; her nieces and nephews with whom she shared affectionate and special relationships; and a number of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Carmela and August A. "Augie" Palmieri; a brother, Joseph V. Gillette, Sr.; and a brother-in-law, Joseph Alfano. Visitation will be held today (Monday) from 5-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Eda's honor to the North Utica Community Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Cardinal's funeral will commence on Tuesday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Eda F. (Gillette) Cardinal

August 26, 1918 - February 27, 2006