Laura C. (Brucker) Salvatore

Mrs. Laura C. (Brucker) Salvatore, age 58, of Frankfort, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2007 in the comfort of her home with her loving family and friends by her side. Born in Utica on March 31, 1949, Laura was the daughter of the late William and Joyce (Marshall) Brucker. Raised and educated locally, she was a 1967 graduate of Utica Free Academy. On October 5, 1968 she married Michael L. Salvatore. As a couple, they were perfectly matched to each other’s personality and were blessed with a 38-year union that exemplified what true love and a good marriage should be. Proud to have been a mother who was able to stay home and raise her daughters, Laura also held positions as a receptionist at various Obstetrics and Gynecology offices in the Utica area for 22 years. She loved the fact that she could be an advocate for the patients. Her selfless nature and compassionate soul were the foundation of her many acts of kindness. Her home was open to family, friends, and neighbors, and they were truly welcomed. A great entertainer with a spirit of loyalty and a unique and priceless sense of humor, she also had great strength of character and a resilient nature which allowed her to endure and persevere during her illness with cancer. Laura collected angels, and sea shells. She was intrigued by sea life, especially whales. Her most enjoyable times were spent at Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard immersed in the relaxation of the ocean, the sand, and the quaintness and natural beauty of the area. Indeed, she considered herself a “Capie”. She took pleasure in gardening and decorating her home especially at Halloween and Christmas and was a great cook with a gourmet style of presentation. She pursued beading and creative arts including wreath making, and bestowed thoughtfully handcrafted remembrances, creative baskets, and cakes to family and friends. At one time she volunteered at the Frankfort Center Firehouse with the Auxiliary Fire Dept. along with her husband who was very devoted. She taught religious instruction classes and acquired a deeper spirituality through the experience. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Laura is survived by her husband and best friend Mike; her daughters and “sons”, Deanna and Vinny Lercara of Utica, and Michelle and Paul Brown of Marcy; and her ‘canine son’ Hannibal, with whom she shared a special closeness. Also surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Wendy and John Grems of Frankfort; her brother and sister-in-law, William and Lisa Brucker of TN; her great-aunts, great-uncles, aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Carmen J., Sr. and Carol Salvatore and Regina and Stephen Synakowski. She also leaves many meaningful friendships which blessed and enhanced her life. She was predeceased by her brother, Michael Brucker; and her in-laws, Carl and Jennie Salvatore. A truly sincere and grateful thank you is rendered to Dr. Atul Butala, Dr. Samir Desai and their staff; the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Intensive Care Unit and 2 West; Dr. Scott Brehaut and Nurse Practitioner Natalya Akhtyrsky; and the Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. team, Nancy Crawford, R.N. who embraced Laura with such professionalism and personal ways, which were comforting, uplifting, and encouraging to her. A special thank you is to be expressed to Laura’s family and friends for their continued support and love. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Laura’s honor to the Regional Cancer Center or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Laura’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be celebrated.

Laura C. (Brucker) Salvatore

March 31, 1949 - September 6, 2007