Elaine Mary (Spaziani) Colenzo

UTICA - Elaine Mary (Spaziani) Colenzo, age 78, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on January 10, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on Valentine’s Day in 1946, Elaine was the daughter of the late Paris S. and Helen A. (Campbell) Spaziani. Elaine grew up in Utica, where she attended local schools and graduated from Utica Free Academy (UFA)/Class of 1964. As a proud member of the UFA a cappella choir alumni, music was always a special part of her life. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Victor L. Colenzo, and together they built a home full of love, laughter, and enduring commitment. Elaine worked for the Utica School District in the Central Kitchen Food Service Program, where her dedication and cheerful spirit were appreciated until her retirement. She also devoted her life to raising her family with extraordinary care and selflessness. For 24 years, she provided tireless care for her eldest son, Victor, who had cerebral palsy. Her role as a mother was her greatest calling, and her devotion to her children and grandchildren was immeasurable. Elaine’s warmth, generosity, and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her forgiving nature and selfless heart earned her nicknames like “Miss Goody Two-Shoes,” but more often, she was lovingly described as an angel and a saint. Known for her sense of humor and love of laughter, she brought joy to her family and friends until her final moments. Elaine had many passions, from baking and singing to creating handmade greeting cards for all occasions. She was an avid Hallmark movie watcher, a devoted Weight Watchers enthusiast, and a parishioner at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church in Utica. She loved entertaining and hosting gatherings—an example of her zest for life and love of friendship. Elaine also cherished traveling to Ohio to visit her daughter, Lorelei, each year, a tradition she looked forward to with anticipation. Her sister and best friend, Dorothy Rich, was a lifelong confidante and source of strength. Elaine is survived by her beloved husband, Victor L. Colenzo; her children, Lorelei “Lori” Colenzo and Gary Wagner, and Stephen and Delia Colenzo. She cherished the memory of her son, Victor L. Colenzo, who preceded her on January 22, 1991. She leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren, Isabella Litzer, Joseph Litzer; and Jackson Colenzo; sister, Dorothy Rich; and many beloved nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Diane Bucciero, Annamarie and Carlo DelBuono, John Rich, Jr., Anne Rich, and Paris Rich; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their care and compassion. A Memorial Gathering in Elaine’s honor will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Elaine’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82041613887. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider donations in her memory to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., whose support brought comfort during her final days, online at www.hospicecareinc.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Elaine’s life was a testament to love, selflessness, and faith. Her family takes comfort in knowing her legacy will continue to shine through the lives she touched. This story of Elaine’s life was lovingly written by her family.

Elaine Mary (Spaziani) Colenzo

February 14, 1946 - January 10, 2025