Mrs. Irene M. (Raiano) Montana

Mrs. Irene M. (Raiano) Montana, age 97, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on March 30, 1914, Irene was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Saveria (Mirto) Raiano. She was raised and educated locally. On September 14, 1940 she married Carmen T. Montana with whom she shared a loving and devoted union of 53 years prior to his passing on June 12, 1994. They were an inseparable couple. Irene took the greatest pride in her predominant role as a housewife and matriarch of her beloved family. She was a communicant of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Mrs. Montana is survived by her daughter, Antoinette M. LaValla of Deerfield; her son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas V. and Terri Montana of Las Vegas, NV. She cherished the memory of her late son Vincent A. Montana who passed away on June 27, 2009. She will be remembered by her daughter-in-law, Flora A. Montana of Utica; her grandchildren, Daniel and Beverly LaValla, Deborah and David Strzepek, Mark LaValla, Nicky and Danielle Montana, Misty and Rick Gray, Claudine and Bill Niebuhr, Christine and David Fero, and Vincent J. Montana; her great grandchildren, Shane and Zachary LaValla, Justine and Joshua Strzepek, Megan and Nicholas Montana III, Rick III and David Gray, Olivia and Michael Niebuhr, and Chad Fero. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins; and her roommate and dear friend Mickey Maida. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Davey Montana; her infant sister, Ann Raiano; her brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Frances Raiano, Joseph and Nellie Raiano, George and Rose Raiano; her in-laws, Anthony and Mary Montana; Katherine and Carlo LoGalbo, Laura and Rocco Zamillio, and Martha and Anthony Brigano; and her nieces, Angelina Brigano, and Antoinette Brigano. Irene’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Thomas Ryan, Dr. Fred Talarico and his staff, and especially the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. denoting those of the Aspen Wing who showered her with much love, kindness, and compassion. A special thank you to her Pastor, Rev. Anthony P. LaFache and Pastor Tom Lorenz. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral and food offerings. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the American Heart Assn. or the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Irene’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Irene M. (Raiano) Montana

March 30, 1914 - April 10, 2011