Mrs. Isabella (Cucci) Shanley

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Isabella (Cucci) Shanley, age 84, passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 12, 1937 to the late Vincenzo “Vincent” and Palma (Pinto) Cucci, Isabella was raised and educated locally. She went on to graduate T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1955. Isabella began her professional life by accepting a position with Mele Manufacturing Co., which she held for many years. Sometime later, Isabella made the transition to a position as a Customer Service Representative at Bradlees, where she remained until the department store’s closure in 2001. Isabella met and then married the love of her life, James A. “Jimmy” Shanley, on September 15, 1962. The couple shared 54 blessed years together prior to his passing on January 7, 2017. A woman devoted to her family, Isabella was a loving and committed wife, sister, and aunt. She both loved and prioritized her family, and her generous heart inspired her constant giving to family members and friends. Isabella especially enjoyed sharing holiday traditions with family – predominantly those surrounding Christmas. A great cook, Isabella would festively adorn the holiday table with classic and delectable Italian specialties. For fun, Isabella delighted in spending time with fellow classmates from her school years, and particularly enjoyed her sorority sisters from Sigma Chi Alpha. Whenever the group gathered together, which they did regularly, Isabella loved the entertaining times they shared. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband on their numerous Autumn trips to the coast of Maine, which was memorably stunning in September. Isabella professed the Catholic Creed, and appreciated attending Mass each week. Isabella is survived by her brother, Peter V. Cucci; as well as her sister, Marianne Pecheone and predeceased by her late husband Carmen C. Pecheone, Sr. Isabella was predeceased by her brother, Anthony P. “Tony” Cucci, and leaves behind her sister-in-law, Joanne Cucci. Isabella will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Carmen Jr. and Lee Pecheone, and Mariangela Pecheone; great-nieces and great-nephews, with special acknowledgement of John Carlo Pecheone, whom she adored like a grandson; and many cousins. Isabella will be missed by her in-laws, Arlene and Grant Bouck, Donna and Vincent Alexander, Julian and Irene Shanley, and JoAnn Cattadoris Cucci. She will be held in the heart of her faithful, life-long and devoted friend, Rosemarie Giannotti. Isabella was predeceased by her beloved niece, Joanne Pecheone; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James A. and Jennie (Poszko) Shanley; and her dear friend, Jeanie Ventura Elliott, whom she greatly cherished. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Aspen Unit at Sitrin Health Care for their compassionate care of Isabella. In keeping with Isabella’s wishes, the family will honor her life privately. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor the memory of Isabella, please consider making a donation in her name to the Make-A-Wish foundation, online at: https://wish.org/donate. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Isabella (Cucci) Shanley

November 12, 1937 - December 18, 2021