Eva M. "Ava" (Lazaruk) Karam

UTICA - Eva M. “Ava” (Lazaruk) Karam, age 94, went home to the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Montreal, Canada on January 27, 1931, Eva was the daughter of the late Dometi “Daniel” and Teklia (Boboska) Lazaruk. She was raised and educated in Montreal and went on to graduate from McGill University with a degree in Business and Fine Arts. Eva spoke very fondly of her childhood and was immensely proud of her father who was a decorated soldier for his service in World War I and World War II. While in college, Eva met the love of her life, Wade J. Karam, and they united in marriage on April 24, 1954. In 1957, Eva and Wade built a home together that they soon filled with love, laughter, and the blessings of their children. The couple shared 16 years together prior to Wade’s untimely passing on May 27, 1970. As the matriarch of her family, Eva poured her heart and soul into nurturing and caring for her five children. She was a private person who would selflessly carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. She embodied resilience and true inner strength and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. Eva was tenacious about her children receiving their college degrees, which they all did. She appreciated growing up in a multi-lingual home where she became fluent in speaking French, Ukrainian, and Russian as well. Eva was special, in that she was always open to forgiveness and compassion was always given. She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed seeing her family gather around the table to enjoy the meals she had prepared for them. Eva was an avid reader and enjoyed staying up to date on current events, reading the NY Post, NY Daily News, and Montreal Gazette regularly. She also appreciated the theater and held membership in the Broadway Theatre League. She was also able to attend Broadway shows and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York City each holiday season for over 20 years. Christmas was a special time for Eva, who delighted in the decorations, festiveness, and extra time it allowed with loved ones. Also a sports fan, Eva followed the Montreal Canadiens hockey team and the NY Yankees. She especially enjoyed hearing the crowd come together to sing the Canadian National Anthem. A nature lover as well, Eva found solace in walks in the park. She excelled at gardening and was well known at the Mum Farm. Eva knew which flowers would do best at what time of the year and how to properly tend to them. The birdhouses in her yard brought new birds each spring that she loved to watch come and go. A true and talented artist, Eva specialized in acrylic and enamel painting, with many of her pieces being displayed in the Munson Art Shows over the years. By automobile was Eva’s favorite way to travel and she took many trips to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, and several shows and sporting events in New York City. During the autumn, she would travel up north to enjoy the beautiful foliage and fresh Adirondack air. Eva was a lifelong parishioner of St. Agnes Church until its closing. Eva is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara and Edmund Furcinito, Wade and Jennifer Karam, Bruce Karam, Richard Karam, and Andrew Karam; and grandchildren, Edmund “Teddy” Furcinito, and Eva Furcinito. She fondly remembered her sister who preceded her, Anna Torjusen. Eva will also be missed by her best and longtime childhood friend, Frances Richman, with whom she corresponded through the lost art of letter writing; and Mary Lou from Munson’s art classes. She was predeceased by her dear friends, Vita Rinaldi, Kay Migliaccio, and Vicky Devins. The Karam family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Scott Brehaut for compassionately caring for Eva whether it be by office appointment or a house call. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Eva’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Eva’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate, Paralyzed Veterans of America online at www.secure.pva.org/pva/donation-form-backup or Munson online at www.munson.art/donation/step2; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Eva M. "Ava" (Lazaruk) Karam

January 27, 1931 - March 6, 2025