Laura Anne "Rizz" Rizzo-Sierak

UTICA – Laura Anne “Rizz” Rizzo-Sierak, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. Born in Utica on June 3, 1975, Laura was the daughter of the late Joseph A. Rizzo, Jr. and Christine M. “Tina” (Belmont) Rizzo. She spent her childhood in the area and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1993. A woman of great ambition, Laura worked numerous jobs throughout her life—often two at a time—to provide for her family and ensure they never went without. Of all the roles she held, the most meaningful to her was as a home healthcare aide. She loved this work deeply and always went above and beyond for those entrusted to her care. People will remember Laura as being “funny as all get off.” She never failed to make people laugh or smile. Above all, she was deeply family-oriented, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for the people she loved. Even those who weren’t related to her adored her and often wished they could call her “Mom.” Anyone who met Laura had only beautiful things to say about her. Her loving and kind personality was something you could feel the instance you were in her presence. She savored every moment and wanted to remember it all—taking countless pictures and videos to capture life’s most beautiful memories. A true go-getter, Laura had an incredible ability to bring people together. If something needed to get done, Laura was the one to call. Everything Laura planned she “did it big.” She made sure family vacations happened year after year, no matter what—whether it was a quick getaway or a long adventure to Florida or Vermont. She also made every birthday celebration one to remember, always adding her special touch to make it unforgettable. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting with her best friend, Brandy the canine, who was always by her side. She also possessed a green thumb and could rescue any plant from despair! Her greatest accomplishment in life was being a devoted “GiGi” to her precious grandchildren. A devout Catholic, Laura delighted in sharing prayers with a nun and a pastor at the hospital just prior to her departure to heaven. Her children will always remember her voice giving sage advice like, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it,” or another catch phrase, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.” Laura is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Maranda and Dakota Kinney; son, Frank “Frankie” Sierak; grandchildren Ayden Kinney, Addalynn Kinney, Aryanna Kinney, and Dakota Kinney, Jr.; sister Honor Rizzo; many nieces, nephews; and her best friends, Mary Fiorillo, Chris Mika, and Brandy the dog, who was her closest companion. She was predeceased by Timothy “Tim” Sierak, her longest lifetime friend and father of her children. Laura’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the Delahunt sisters at Wynn Hospital for their attentive and outstanding care of Laura and her entire family; they went above and beyond when it was most needed. In honoring Laura’s wishes, the family will honor her life privately. Memorial contributions in Laura’s honor may be made to the Herkimer Humane Society online at www.herkimerhumanesociety.org/donate/ or by mail to 514 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Laura Anne "Rizz" Rizzo-Sierak

June 3, 1975 - April 8, 2025