Mrs Elizabeth B. (Raiano) Nackley

Mrs. Elizabeth B. “DeDee” (Raiano) Nackley, age 71, went home to the Lord when she passed away unexpectedly at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center on Monday, May 18, 2015. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of her family and those who loved her dearly. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 27, 1943, Elizabeth was the daughter of Luke Raiano and the late Beatrice (Steinberger) Raiano. As a young child, she and her family relocated to the Utica area. She was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1961. On October 16, 1965 she married Mickey E. Nackley; they were looking forward to celebrating 50 years of marriage this October. DeDee and Mickey were a team; they had each other’s back and were always attentive to one another’s needs. DeDee was employed by the Commercial Travelers Insurance Company and was proud to have worked for the Utica City School District as a member of the Cafeteria staff at J.F. Hughes Elementary School, Kemble Street School, and T.R. Proctor High School. This was a uniquely appropriate job since she literally loved to feed people and she had an understanding and affection for youth. In time, it was her adventuresome side that brought her to the ownership, with her husband, of the Pizza Cafe in the New Hartford Shopping Center. Once again, she would be able to serve people with a generous heart. She then entered upon another business venture, Gourmet Emporium, also located in the New Hartford Shopping Center, where she was able to put into practice her creative and colorful flair for the display and sale of specialty food and gift items. DeDee sold the operation in 1998 and completed her working career at Blessed Sacrament School catering to students in the cafeteria. She loved her vocation because it involved serving meals and providing hospitality to people. DeDee was delightful, witty, kind-hearted, and generous. She was a matriarch who made it possible to keep everyone connected. Her home was colorful and welcoming and she was happiest when it was filled with family, friends, and an abundance of food on the table. With DeDee at the helm, the party got underway and memories were made. Her culinary knowledge and knack for preparing palatable cuisine were amazing. She was well-known for her simple yet savory salad dressing and her desire to enjoy a glass of white merlot as a means of relaxation. She was an avid kindle reader, and music lifted her spirit as she played it loudly with attention to the lyrics. Traditions, love, and family filled her spirit and made her happy even in the face of failing health. Her great strength of character was clearly seen during her 33 years as a breast cancer survivor, a victory of which she was so proud. She became an advocate and supporter of other women who were afflicted by the disease. Even though sickness was a part of her life, it never got her down. All in all, she had a wonderful life, and her children brought her joy. When her grandchildren came along, they led her to a new path and she began to live again in a different way. She loved them with all her heart. DeDee was a member of the American Legion Post #1376/New Hartford Women’s Auxiliary. As a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, she had a heartfelt concern for the benefit and wellbeing of her parish. DeDee is survived by her husband, Mickey; her father, Luke; and her children, Michael L. Nackley and Colin Brown of Provincetown MA and Palm Springs CA, Christine M. Nackley of East Syracuse, and David J. and Becky Nackley of Clinton. Always in her heart was the memory of her infant son, Thomas David, who she never forgot and with whom she is now reunited. Also surviving are her grandchildren who kept her going for whom she attended every and any event possible, Athena C., and Angelina M. Thomason; and Willow R. Nackley. She will also remain in the hearts of her sisters and brother-in-law, Laura “Lolly” Buczek of San Diego CA, and Linda and Nick DeAscentis of LasVegas; and her half-brother, Luke Raiano II and his wife Kari Gibson Raiano. Her extended family includes her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, “Za” and Chet Banek, and George and Theresa Nackley, and a host of friendships formed through the years, some for each season of her life, with special mention of Linda Gozy, and Jennifer and Dennis Nicotera. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fred and Florence Nackley. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of the St. Luke’s Allen Calder wing at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their kindness and concern during her last moments. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Her family will remain until all visitors have been seen. DeDee’s family will graciously accept flowers for that was one of her favorite pleasures. Her funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs Elizabeth B. (Raiano) Nackley

July 27, 1943 - May 18, 2015