Edith L. (Baleno) Mandia

Mrs. Edith L. (Baleno) Mandia, age 97, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on August 7, 1915, Edith was the daughter of the late Paul and Angela (Petronio) Baleno. She was raised and educated locally. On March 26, 1938 she married Carmen A. Mandia with whom she shared 29 years in a loving and devoted union until his passing on October 7, 1967. Edith was employed at the iconic Boston Store in the Millenary & Receiving Departments until its closing. A caring wife and mother, Edith thought of her family as the center of her life and the core of her happiness. She was quick-witted and shared her somewhat-superstitious mannerisms in jest. She faithfully remembered the special occasions and birthdays of her many great-grandchildren. In her younger days, she enjoyed dancing, and was always an excellent cook. Her family has fond memories of her Sunday meals complete with her touch of Italian specialties. She was also very well-read, talented at sewing and crocheting, and found pleasure in watching classic movies. At one time, she was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church. Edith is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Genevieve “Genny” and John Messa of Marcy; her sons and daughters-in-law, Francis and Barbara Mandia of New Hartford, Anthony Mandia and his wife Janet Steel of Manchester, MA, and Paul and MaryAnne Mandia of Deerfield; her grandchildren, Jeff and Ann Marie Messa, Mark and Theresa Messa, Michelle Messa, James and Kristin Messa, Robert and Michelle Mandia, Stephen and Amanda Mandia, Michael Mandia, Joseph Mandia and fiancée Lindsey Kolb, Lynda and Brian Williams, Scott and Kelley Mandia, Matt Mandia, Paula Mandia and Brian Van Wie, and Jennifer Eldred; and her 21 great-grandchildren. Her extended family includes many nieces, especially acknowledging, Eleanor Acquaviva; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a brother-in-law, Frank D’Apice. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Adeline and Salvatore J. Cosco, Ann D’Apice, and Mary and Gerald P. “Jerry” Vivenzo; and a brother and sister-in-law, Dominick M. and Anna Baleno. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Mary Jo Rutledge and Diane from the Senior Network; special friend Lori Brinkley; and the staff of the 6th floor of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, for the kindness and the comfort extended to our mother and our family during this difficult time. The family will honor Edith’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Edith's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Edith L. (Baleno) Mandia

August 7, 1915 - March 21, 2013