Francesca "Frances" (Nicotera) Bilotta

Mrs. Francesca “Frances” (Nicotera) Bilotta, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY with her loving family by her side. Born in Cortale, Italy on April 1, 1918, Francesca was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Santa (Conidi) Nicotera. She was raised and educated in Italy and married Francesco “Frank” Bilotta. Before long, Frances, with her beloved husband and children, immigrated to Utica in 1955. The couple shared a loving and devoted union filled with mutual respect and commitment. For a short period of time, Frances worked in the bakery at Gold Medal Dairy, but her heart was always with her husband and children and caring for their needs. Her family brought her the most happiness, especially her grandchildren, and she took great pride and joy in watching and participating in their events. She had a deep fondness for flowers and took much pleasure in planting and tending to them. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and often traveled to the Auriesville Shrine. She treasured the two sets of rosary beads that her granddaughters brought her as a gift from the Vatican. She would often pray to Sts. Cosmo and Damiano and would partake in the yearly summer procession in their honor. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Frances is survived by her husband, Francesco “Frank”; her daughters and son-in-law, Paula and Al Passante of Vernon, and Sandra Postal of Utica; her beloved grandchildren, Jason and Hilary Passante, Jennifer and Mark Lundquist, Alison and Jason Brown, Nicole Passante, Lisa Barrett and Erica Postal; and her great-grandchildren, Madison Passante, Trey and Reese Lundquist, Johnny Postal, and Isabella and Silvanna Barrett. In addition, she leaves nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins in Italy, especially acknowledging Piero and Gessica Bilotta, and Fabrizio Bilotta; and her brother-in-law Pasquale Bilotta. Francesca held a very close relationship with the Passante family. She was predeceased by her brother, two sisters, and many cherished extended family members. The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of the 2nd floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center, especially Cheryl Jewell, R.N. for all the care and attention shown to Francesca; the staff of the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, and Lorraine, who shared a room with Francesca and was a guardian angel to her. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the American Heart Association or give a Mass Card; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Francesca’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Committal prayers and interment will follow graveside at St. Agnes Cemetery.

Francesca "Frances" (Nicotera) Bilotta

April 1, 1918 - May 13, 2011