Helen J. (Campese) Caramadre

With great sadness, the children of Helen Caramadre announce the sudden passing of our beloved Mother on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Our hearts were torn out with her passing just seven days before we would celebrate her 91st birthday. As we held her in our loving embrace, she joined her loved ones who were waiting to help her transition to our Heavenly Father and to her eternal rest. She was born on April 19, 1920 in Utica to Frank and Mary (Graniero) Campese. She attended local schools and was married to Frank Caramadre; she was widowed after a union which lasted 47 years. Helen worked alongside her husband for many years operating a local restaurant, Frankie Carr’s, which was located on Bleecker and Gilbert. After his death, she worked for the Utica City School District as a monitor. Her patience and love for children led to the nickname of “Grandma” by them. They often gave her drawings and hugs. She was a gentle person who evoked a warm response from children and adults alike. We can honestly say that she never had a bad word to say about anyone. This endearing charm and unusual courtesy was evident to the end. Our Mother’s greatest joy was us --- her four children. She fulfilled her role as beloved Mother with patience, faith and selfless love, always putting our needs first. She will always be remembered for preparing delicious meals as she gathered us around her table. She felt family was the most important thing in life and was the happiest when we were together. Her sense of family has been the measure by which we all have tried to raise our children. As we matured and grandchildren and great grandchildren were born, she widened her circle of continuous care. Each and every one of them has felt her unconditional love and knew that they had become her greatest source of joy. Her great grandchildren affectionately called her G.G. (great grandmother). Mom was a strong and courageous person who was the “glue” that held us together. She was the peacemaker of our family always encouraging us to bond through peace and harmony. Because of this, she was not only loved but she earned our respect and will always be honored by her loved ones who will forever cherish fond memories and value the traditions she has handed down to us. Helen is survived by us, her four children: James Caramadre, Clinton, Frank and Elaine Caramadre, Sauquoit, Patricia and Dennis Rotkiewicz, Whitesboro and Old Forge, and Sandra and Dr. Gerald Beck, Albany and Lake George. Grandchildren: Renee and Biaggio Caciotti, Lisa and Chris Murphy, Dana and Daniel Castaneda, Anthony and Nicole Caramadre, Frank III and Helen Caramadre, Marc and Gina Caramadre, Michael Rotkiewicz, Stephen and Kelly Rotkiewicz, Drs. Paul and Melissa Rotkiewicz, Jessica Rotkiewicz, Sara Rudin. Great grandchildren: Frank IV Caramadre, Mateo Caramadre, Riley and Barrett Rotkiewicz, Addie, Sophia and Ella Rotkiewicz, Bianca and Gabriella Cacciotti, Madeleine Murphy and Isabella, Joseph, and Daniel Castaneda. Two sisters, Lucy (Larry) Kallman, and Rita Vecchio of Stockton, California, Sister-in-law, Betty Campese. She was predeceased by her sister Theresa Cortese, two brothers, Louis and Joseph. She leaves to mourn cherished nieces and nephews. The family will honor and commemorate Helen’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Anthony P. LaFache. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the American Heart Association or a Mass Card in Helen’s name; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The time is here for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. II Timothy, 4: 6-8