Mrs. Josephine A. (LaParne) Gacek

NEW HARTFORD - Mrs. Josephine A. (LaParne) Gacek, age 91, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021 in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born in Utica on January 24, 1930, Josephine was the daughter of the late Dominick and Nancy (Paniccia) LaParne. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. On June 4, 1949 she wed Edward J. Gacek with whom she shared 26 years in a marriage blessed with three children. Edward passed away in 1975. During her working life, Josephine was employed by W.T. Grants Department Store as a sales associate and promoted to Office Manager. She left the workforce for a few years to raise her family and eventually accepted a position at F.W. Woolworth Company on Genesee Street where she began a career as section Manager until the store closed in 1990. She was proud of her energetic, consistent work ethic that garnered her promotions in every job she held. A dedicated mother and matriarch, she had a compassionate heart and was a friend in deed, often helping those in need. She derived gratification in preparing meals for her family or running errands. Her grandchildren warmed her heart and she loved spending time with them and sharing special occasions. She was accomplished in crocheting, bestowing many beautiful handcrafted articles to loved ones. Josephine often ended a conversation with “I love you”, and a moment of happiness became a lasting impression and legacy of her life. Josephine practiced her Catholic faith as a communicant of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church in Chadwicks. Josephine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law with whom she shared a home for many years, Nancy and Greg Wrate; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Sharon Gacek, and Richard and Cindy Gacek; grandchildren, Edward and Shima Gacek, Matthew and Eleonora Gacek, Colin and Diana Gacek, Rachel and Kyle DeMetro, Amanda Wrate, Jessica Wrate and fiancé Jacob Yonker, and Kayla Wrate; and great-grandchildren, Abigail, and Owen Gacek, Lucas, and Charlotte Gacek, and Nilu, and Phoebe Gacek. She also leaves many cousins; special aunt, Grace Pugliese; and sister-in-law, Stella LaParne and her sons and their wives, Ben and Kim LaParne, Dominick and Kathy LaParne. She was predeceased by her brother, Benny “Midge” LaParne. The family wishes to thank Dr. Bhisham Garg, Josephine’s longtime physician and confidant; and the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care who assisted Nancy in caring for her mother in her last days. Visitation will be held Saturday morning, July 24, 2021 from 10:00-11:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Chadwicks where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery where Josephine will be laid to rest beside her husband, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express an act of kindness in Josephine’s memory may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org or the Improvement Fund for St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church online at https://stpatricksstanthonys.org/edonations. Envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mrs. Josephine A. (LaParne) Gacek

January 24, 1930 - July 17, 2021