Helen E. (Autore) Tinelli

Mrs. Helen E. (Autore) Tinelli, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on October 31, 1919, Helen was the daughter of the late Victor and Elizabeth (Alberico) Autore. Raised and educated locally, she was a member of the first graduating class of T. R. Proctor High School. On September 6, 1941 she married William C. Tinelli, Sr. with whom she shared 65 years in a mutually supportive marriage prior to his passing on September 25, 2006; they innately knew each other’s needs and were committed to one another. Helen’s foremost priority was her family, and she took an active interest in all their lives. Those who knew Helen the best would call her a bit tenacious. She brought joy to her loved ones and prepared many meals which they shared together, including her favorite time, Christmas Eve. Her grandchildren looked forward to her tomato pie which they said “was the best”. She will be remembered as a social woman who had a beautiful and blessed life. She belonged to a seasonal recreational group which gathered to play cards, especially pinochle. She enjoyed solving the daily newspaper word jumble and playing scrabble. A true snowbird, she looked forward to traveling during the winter months to Marco Island in Florida. At one time, she was a member of the St. Elizabeth’s Guild, and the Geneteska Club, both of which held very fond memories for her. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Helen is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Joanna and Michael F. Clark of Utica, and Doreen E. and Robert Jesionowski of Rochester; her son, Dr. William C. Tinelli, Jr. of Clayton, NY.; her grandchildren, Kristen and Anthony Vennero, Michael A. Clark, Stephen and Barbara Clark, Jill and Larry Ferrarini, Lisabeth Tinelli and Matt Long, Jennifer and Salvatore Arbore, Kimberly and Anthony Valenti, Robert Jesionowski and Dana Arieno, Jeffrey Jesionowski, and Lisa and Timmy Hudson; and her great-grandchildren, Alaina and Becky; William and Matthew; Devin; Amelia, Victoria and Gabriella; Anthony; Aiden; and Sammy, Joey, and Jessica. Survivors also include her sisters, Johanna Flemma of Oswego, and Elizabeth Longo of VA; her many nieces, especially acknowledging Marilyn and Andrew J. Esposito, and Janet and Mark P. Tinelli-Marriott, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her sister-in-law, Vita Graziano of Utica. She also leaves many dear friends, especially her longtime friend, Arlene Munson. She was predeceased by her brothers, John L. Autore, William Autore, and Robert Autore; and many in-laws. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Sudershan Dang for his guidance and care; and the nurses and staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center 3C and the PCU for their level of care and compassion. In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Helen’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Helen’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Helen E. (Autore) Tinelli

October 31, 1919 - September 14, 2009