Mrs. Elsie F. (Funicello) Cardamone

UTICA - Mrs. Elsie F. (Funicello) Cardamone, age 95, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family and those that were blessed to work with her. Born in Utica on August 30, 1922, Elsie was the daughter of the late Anthony and Concetta (Altieri) Funicello. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1940 and furthered her education at the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. On July 9, 1949, she married Joseph A. Cardamone; their relationship grew as their family did, as sharing in friendships of their similar medical backgrounds. They were blessed with 26 years together prior to Joseph’s passing on April 10, 1976. Elsie earned her credentials as a Licensed RN training in New York City, General Hospital, and St. Elizabeth Hospital. She worked in her medical career as a nurse, raised her family, and then returned to the workforce as a Supervisor at the former Sunset Nursing Home. Elsie was an independent woman graced with great strength of character. She had a calm and disarming personality. She was pleasant, humorous, subtle, and mindful. People throughout her life gravitated to her kindness and always open heart. When the grandchildren began to arrive, she was the one to spend the first weeks assisting her family in adjustments. A wonderful mother-in-law, she loved each of her daughter and son-in-laws deeply and quickly embraced them as part of the family. She celebrated and hosted many Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings. She earned the distinguished title of “Grandma” (and Grandma Elsie) not only to her grandkids, but to her grandkid’s friends, as well. She was an avid reader, loved to walk for her well-being, and appreciated the ability to meet and converse with others. She was well liked and admired seeming to know everyone in the neighborhood and seldom running into strangers on Mohawk street. She traveled to see her family along the east coast and even in California. Elsie had a deep-seated spirituality in her soul, which was seen, in her devotion to weekly Mass and her duty to fulfilling the rites and traditions in the Catholic Church. She practiced her faith as a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Elsie is survived by her daughters, Susan R. Young, and Rosemary Crane of Pennsylvania. She cherished the memory of her son-in-law, Douglas Crane, who preceded her. She also leaves her sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick Cardamone and Kathi Lenrow of New Jersey, Joseph and Catherine Cardamone of New Hampshire, and Michael and Sharon Cardamone of Maryland and Bradley Young; her grandchildren, Jillian Cardamone, Ryan and Christina Young, Patrick and Amanda Young, and Shannon Young, Nicholas Cardamone, Benjamin and Jenni Cardamone, and Trina R. Cardamone; Joseph and Holly Cardamone, Peter Cardamone, and Alessandra and Ben Butanis; and Brittany Rose Crane; and her great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Brayden; Emily; Mary and Raymond. She will also be remembered by her nieces and nephews from the Battle, Funicello, and Pacini families. The family will honor and commemorate Elsie’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Elsie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday at 1:00 at the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel at the Masonic Care Community of NY, 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, donations may be considered to the Masonic Care Community of NY; envelopes will be available at the service or online at www.masonichomeny.org/ways-tosupport/donations. Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery will take place privately and at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Elsie F. (Funicello) Cardamone

August 30, 1922 - March 10, 2018