Kathleen "Katie" La Bella

UTICA - Kathleen “Katie” La Bella, age 74, became a greeter in the Lord's heaven on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at The Pines at Utica. Her loving family was beside her as she peacefully passed away. Born in Utica on June 28, 1944, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Michael A. and Mary (Comito) La Bella. She attended Wetmore Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1962. At one time, Katie worked at the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) in the precise promotion department as an assembler. She loved her job, and she always kept busy. She was very social and enjoyed mingling with people. She always appreciated when others gave her the gift of their time and attention. The past 10 years of her life were spent at Eden Park, now known as The Pines at Utica. She received wonderful care, had many friends, and was known as the official greeter to all who entered the front door… that’s who Katie was. The activities department provided many opportunities for her to enjoy bowling, bingo, arts & crafts, and baking. She was open and outgoing when expressing her love of “Her Home at Pines” which was an important part of her life. Some of Katie’s greatest pleasures were going out to shop and having a meal at the Marr-Logg. Her birthday was an extremely happy day, and she was so touched when anyone remembered it. O’Scugnizzo Pizza and eggplant parmesan were her favorite foods, and contemporary country was her favorite genre of music. Kathleen is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Cotton; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael G. and Marsha (Voce) La Bella; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all 38 of them members of the Voce family, who enjoyed sharing life with her; aunt Ann Balio; her cousins Joan Balio Ulig, Karen Balio Clemens who did many special things for Katie, and Mary Lourdes Chiffy who provided companionship and compassionate care; and her friends, including her nurses, aides, and administrators at The Pines, as well as the staff at the Marr-Logg who catered to Katie with friendship and fine food. She was predeceased by her brother, Nicholas S. La Bella. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Christopher Max for his professional concern and genuine love; Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and her staff for their medical expertise; the entire staff of The Pines at Utica, an outstanding group of people the family praises for providing Katie with a place of her own among people who loved her. The family also thanks the Kunkel Ambulance Company personnel who transported Katie on many occasions. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Katie's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday 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. James Cesta. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Katie’s memory may make a contribution to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at CABVI, 507 Kent Street, Utica, NY 13501 or online at https://www.cabvi.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Kathleen "Katie" La Bella

June 28, 1944 - August 11, 2018