Mrs. Jeanne M. (Nora) Castelli

Mrs. Jeanne (Nora) Castelli, age 82, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 19, 1928, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Carl and Mary (Pizer) Nora. She was raised and educated in Utica attending T.R. Proctor High School. On May 22, 1948 she married Pasquale Castelli, with whom she shared 48 years prior to his passing on January 20, 1997; their personalities complimented each other and they shared the bonds of family. She was a self-taught, skilled cake decorator having been employed by Hathaway, Hemstrought’s, Gold Top, and most recently, Star Bakery. She was passionate about her talents, hard-working, creative, and recognized for her work ethic. She was a heartfelt woman of admirable qualities, soft-spoken, gentle, kind, and sincere. Her culinary skills were well-appreciated by her family and friends. She was an entertaining host and all were welcome at her table. Jeanne was meticulous about her personal appearance and had an eloquent and expressive style of her own that was admired by many. As a mother, she devoted herself to her children and was proud of their accomplishments, always holding them close to her heart. She also greatly adored the relationships she had with her grandchildren. Jeanne was so looking forward to making her famous trays of cookies for the upcoming shower and wedding of her granddaughter Kim. Special family functions, the holidays, and precious Sunday dinners, were all joyous times in her life. Her home reflected her decorative style. She enjoyed making floral creations, participating in ceramics, and making crafts. To those who knew her, it was nothing for her to redecorate her home at any given moment. She was a faith-filled woman taking comfort in prayer, recitation of the rosary, and attending novenas at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church. Jeanne is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Brenda (Rzotkiewicz) Castelli; her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Gary Carrock Sr., all of Utica; her grandchildren, Kimberly Castelli and fiancé Victor Costanza Jr., Michael Castelli; Gary Carrock Jr., his friend Danielle Lester, and Jenna Carrock. Jeanne affectionately watched over her “grand pups”, Jingles and Ollie. She also leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Lydia and Richard Edwards; her brothers Richard Nora, Robert Nora, and his fiancé Ann Anken; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially Betty DiNardo. Jeanne was blessed with many wonderful friends, too numerous to mention, but each close to her heart. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Mary and Giacomo Conte, Katherine and Alex Juhasz, and her niece, Kristen Emerson. The family extends sincere thanks to Sally O’Callaghan, N.P. who tended to Jeanne with love, compassion, and genuine friendship; her physicians, nurses, and staff of the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who aided her family with professional guidance and kindness; the Utica Fire Department Rescue #1 paramedics for their efforts; and Fr. Anthony LaFache for his spiritual guidance, anointments, and prayers. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jeanne’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony LaFache and co-celebrant Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Jeanne M. (Nora) Castelli

November 19, 1928 - February 1, 2011