Mrs. Lena (Morgia) Attili

Mrs. Lena (Morgia) Attili, age 89, passed away on Thursday evening, September 26, 2013. It was through the efforts of each of her children who cared for her that enabled her to pass in the privacy and dignity of her home. In Watertown, NY on February 5, 1924, Lena was the sixth of eleven children born to the late Dominic and Assunta (Cecilia) Morgia. She was raised and educated in her hometown and had wonderful memories of a blessed childhood. On April 23, 1945, she was wed to Jerry A. Attili with whom she shared 61 years. Lena knew she married the right man - they shared the same values and lived by common ideals. Since the day of Jerry’s passing on November 11, 2006, she has kept him forever in her heart and truly believed that she would see him again. Lena’s versatility was evident during the time in which she was a waitress at the former Frankie Carr’s Restaurant as well as Graziano’s Regal Restaurant both located on Bleecker Street. She was also a familiar face at Alteiri’s Restaurant in Clinton. The Lord blessed Lena with a good heart, a gentle soul, and a strong inner self. Her personality shined like a multi-faceted gem; she was a woman of clarity who sparkled with unbreakable strength. She radiated endless energy for her family during victories, disappointments, and challenges. She never let them down. It was her optimism graced by her wit and wisdom that led her through each day. She was also a true friend, always willing to spend time to talk, offer support, or lift your spirit when you were down. She possessed the determination that enabled her to endure many of life’s transformations which she did with open arms; a life lived with simplicity, purpose and unyielding strength. Her kitchen was the “hub” of her home; the consummate cook and baker, it was here that she prepped and prepared comfort foods and a vast variety of her baked goods, notably her Sunday pizza fritta and Monday chicken soup. It was also the place that Lena often reminisced about her parents, siblings, and fun-filled memories of Watertown. Upholding family traditions was paramount to Lena and it was essential that she pass the importance of these ideals down to her children and grandchildren. The Christmas Season was one of her most joyous times of the year. She anticipated assembling each piece of the family Nativity scene; putting up her tinsel tree, displaying her extensive collection of Santa Clauses, angels and handmade Christmas stockings – and as you would imagine the rooms were filled to capacity! All in all, Lena’s hospitality, ability to entertain with organization, and her welcoming ways, will never be forgotten. During her leisure time, she assembled intricate puzzles especially those of angels, and solved word searches. Lena’s belief in Our Lord was a treasured virtue that carried her throughout her life. She was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Lena is survived by her cherished children and spouses: Jerry A. Attili, Jr., of Utica, Linda and Hank Healy of Clark Mills, Lucy and Guy Viti Jr. of Whitesboro, Mary Rose Attili of Clark Mills, JoAnn Attili with whom she shared a home, Jeana and Ray DiFondi of AZ, and Michele and Tom Vanno of Whitesboro. Lena also considered Kathy Glenn to be an important member of her family. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jerry A. Attili III, Jenelle Morris; Todd and Julie Healy, James and May Healy, Scott Healy, and Patricia Healy; Kimberly and David Witchley, Christopher Viti and her granddaughter-in-law who she adored, Jaclyn (Salerno) Viti, who has remained in her heart since her passing on February 21, 2013; Alyssa Vanno, and Brittany Vanno. In addition, she leaves her great-grandchildren, John Morris, Kyle Morris, and Drew Witchley; her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary J. Crescenzi, Angelina Mathew, and Agnes Natali, all of Watertown, and Pauline and Armand DiStefano of Utica; and her brother and sister-in-law, John and Rosalind Morgia of Watertown. Also left to remember the legacy of her life are her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and her in-laws, Jean Morgia, Sam Tufo, Bernardino “Bernie” II and Olga Attili, and Gloria Morgia- who was a true companion and shared precious and personal time with Lena. She was predeceased by her sisters, Lillian Tufo, Philomena “Fanny” Balderson, and Alta Fiorentino; her brothers, Edgio Morgia, and Joseph J. Morgia, Sr.; and her in-laws, Angelo Crescenzi, Leonard Mathew, Dominick Natali, “Shorty” Balderson, Joseph Fiorentino, Joseph and Lena Attili, Francis “Frank” Attili, John Spezzo, Anthony Spezzo, Lucy and Joseph Abdoo, Rose and Joseph Tremarello, Anna and Dominick Amadeo, Congetta Grasso, Angeline Attili, and Congetta and John Spezzo. The family offers their heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Krause, and Nurse Practitioner Marilyn Campola who tended to Lena with a loving, compassionate, and professional manner which will never be forgotten; the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. RN’s, Julie, Melissa, Kelly, Justin, and Irene; Lena was so appreciative of their attentive care, affection, and comforting ways. Deacon Bill Dischiavo not only became her dear friend, but was the one who made many visits and renewed her spirit and blessed her with Communion; and Father Mark Kaminski who anointed her with much reverence. Lena held close to her heart several “unnamed friends” who she considered family, with the addition of special thanks for the many years that Carmie Caruso adorned her family with her generosity of pastries and her soothing lemon ice. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Lena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski and Deacon Bill Dischiavo. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Lena (Morgia) Attili

February 5, 1924 - September 26, 2013