Mrs. Gaetana C. "Donna" (Spina) Bendino

UTICA- Mrs. Gaetana C. “Donna” (Spina) Bendino passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Saturday, October 22, 2022, with the love and support of her family by her side. Donna was born in Utica on July 21, 1925 to the late Luigi “Louis” and Maria “Mary” (Mutolo) Spina. She was educated in Utica schools. She was married to the love of her life, Nicholas F. Bendino, on October 29, 1955. They shared over 23 years together prior to his untimely passing on January 19, 1979. At one time, Donna was employed by the General Electric Co., and later worked at the Great American Grocery store. A wonderful wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Donna was first and foremost devoted to the needs of all of her loved ones. Her family was her entire world. When the generations expanded, she lovingly nurtured and enjoyed helping to raise each and every one of her grandchildren. She was overjoyed with her role as not only their “Nonnie,” but their babysitter as well! When she wasn’t doting on her children and grandchildren, Donna’s personal pastimes included crocheting and baking. Making homemade Sunday dinners and creating all of the traditional Italian meals for the holidays were some of Donna’s greatest joys. Donna belonged to the Santa Rosalia Society and was faithfully devoted to her God. She practiced her faith at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in Utica. Donna is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Anna Marie and Peter Decker, Maria and Paul Devins, and Donna and Jim DeLaura. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Nicole and Giovanni Santiago; Allison and Steven Bolander, Samantha Decker and her fiancé Tom Carnright; Nicholas and Jenessa Devins; Dara and Chris Austin, Ryan Hughes and his fiancé Brittany Manolescu, Scott Hughes and his fiancé Keely Wroblewski; and Jim’s children, Kery and Bryant, Andrew and fiancé Jessica, Anthony and fiancé Ivy, Jarred and Emily, Kyle, Amber, and Tyler and Jennifer. She is additionally survived by fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Frances Spina; her sisters-in-law Betty Bendino, Alice Bendino, and Eleanor Leone; and several nieces and nephews. Donna was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Spina and his wife Hazel, and Julio Spina; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie E. Bendino, Clara A. and Angelo Papa, and Robert “Bob” Leone; and her nephew, Hon Louis Papa. Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the angels in the Saratoga Household at the Masonic Care Community; and a special acknowledgment to Donna’s dear friends, Freida and Mary Ellen. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gaetana’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning, October 31, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

Mrs. Gaetana C. "Donna" (Spina) Bendino

July 21, 1925 - October 22, 2022