Leonarda "Lee" Servatius

Early in the morning of April 18th, Leonarda Aquado Servatius took the promised journey of the Risen One and was reunited with the family, friends, and her husband “Bobby,” who had taken that journey before her. Born to Spanish and Italian immigrants Manuel and Angeline Palumbo Aquado on June 1st, 1930 (her Mom’s birthday), Leonarda (or “Nard”, “Narda”, “Nardi”, “Nardo”, or simply “Lee”) was educated in Utica schools, and became a clerk at M & L Electric. It was during her time there that she caught notice of a young photographer a few doors up on Columbia Street at Tracy-Adams, and thanks to the “sudden need” of lamp photos by M & L owner Lou Lavine, Lee and Bob met, courted, and within a couple of years after that, on August 8, 1953, Lee and Bob forever became “Lee and Bob.” Their life together knew its pains and joys, its trials, successes, and disappointments. But their life together also knew immense love, ceaseless fidelity, and incredible, incredible determination. Regardless of the challenges they faced, they were a team – a team that drove each other crazy sometimes, but nonetheless a team. While the mystery called death broke that team up some 17 years ago, it was her faith in God, and her faith that she would one day see her husband again, that carried her through many an illness, including this most recent one which God would use to call her home. It also was that faith and determination that she instilled in her two sons; Daniel, along with his wife Carol, continue to live out the value of family life in Penfield, while younger son Thomas is now a Roman Catholic Priest in Waterville. Survivors also include Lee’s continual source of pride and joy – her grandson Adam, also of Penfield. Also surviving Lee is her one surviving sister Joanne Mannino, who along with her husband Anthony and sons Manuel and Carl could share many an amusing story about their sister and aunt. Surviving also is her niece Francine Rose, daughter of Lee’s now-deceased sister, Frances Rose. Survivors also include in-laws Patrick Rose, and Esther and Robert Coyle. She also was predeceased by her parents, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Harold Worden. Lee’s family would like to thank a number of people who remembered and journeyed with her in these last few years. These include: regular visitors Lucille LaVine, Kim Bywater, and the Eucharistic Ministers at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church who continually connected Lee with her faith; Fr. Lucian Urbaniak of St. Mark’s Church for his ongoing pastoral presence; Nancy Harringshaw and the entire staff at Wiley Hall of the Masonic Care Community for their abiding sense of caring and hospitality toward Lee and her family. In addition, the family would like to thank: Drs. Kachare, Bramley, & Tisch for the generous ways they applied their art on Lee’s behalf; the staff of the Critical/Intermediate Care Unit at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital for their remarkable and compassionate work during Lee’s final journey home; Frs. Joe Salerno and Greg Kreinheder and the Parish Community of our Lady of Lourdes for their support and hospitality; and lastly, to the Parish Community of St. Bernard’s in Waterville for their prayers and understanding as their pastor journeyed with his mother during these past several weeks. Out of respect for Lee’s preferences, there will be no public calling hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, kindly remember St. Mark’s Church of Utica, or the employee’s fund at Wiley Hall at the Masonic Care Community; envelopes will be available at the church. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Leonarda "Lee" Servatius

June 1, 1930 - April 18, 2008