Frances (Donatello) Tanner

Mrs. Frances (Donatello) Tanner, age 74, a longtime Utican and most recently of Ilion, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2008 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Fran had been under the care of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Born in Bitterford, Maine on August 25, 1934, Frances was the daughter of the late Nicole and Tomasina (Ciufo) Donatello. Along with her family, she came to Utica where she was raised and educated. On August 19, 1954 she married Kenneth M. Tanner who passed away on July 31, 1998; they were a fun-loving couple who truly enjoyed being with each other during their 44 years of marriage. Fran’s primary focus was her home and family, but she also extended a motherly hand to other children in need, as she opened her home and heart to their care and wellbeing. Her kindness and love earned her the admiration of her family. She was a woman revered by her children, a compassionate soul who drew strength from her relationship with them. She was a non-judgmental person, always looking upon a new day and a fresh beginning. She was blessed with a very generous and forgiving nature, and she gave unconditional love to all the people in her life, including her friends whose company she so much enjoyed. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Frances is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah Tanner and Steven Grzesik, and Denise and Steven Wiegand, all of Ilion; her sons and daughters-in-law, David and Lisa Tanner of New Hartford, and Donald and Bernadette Tanner of Rome, NY; her grandchildren, Stephen Schafer and Michelle Irvin, Matthew Schafer and Erica Piazza, and their father Stephen Schafer; Michael Tanner and Ashley Durbin, Andrew Tanner and Ruth Elow; Kenneth Wiegand and fiancée Carrie Holtz, Ashley Wiegand and Lou Astafan; David DeSantis, and Heather and Michael Holtz; and her great-grandson, Michael. She was also anxiously awaiting the birth of her second great-grandchild. Survivors also include her brother, Michael Donatello of Frankfort who was devoted to his baby sister and comforted her until the time of her passing; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her sisters-in-law, Mary Donatello, and Diane Donatello; and her brother-in-law, Joseph Cote. She also leaves her friends, Elaine Furgal, Marge Miller and Tony Rotundo. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Cote, Lucy and Rusty Brindisi, and Angeline and Louis Polito; and her brothers, John Donatello and James “Namer” Donatello. The family is grateful for the exceptionally wonderful care offered to Fran by Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, especially acknowledging Irene & Mary. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Frances (Donatello) Tanner

August 25, 1934 - August 29, 2008