Mrs. Linda M. (Cannistra) Sokolowski

N. UTICA – Mrs. Linda M. (Cannistra) Sokolowski, age 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in the comfort and dignity of her home, after a long and courageous battle. At the time of her passing, her loving family was by her side. Born in Utica on February 12, 1950, Linda was the daughter of the late Dominick and Antoinette (Pragliola) Cannistra. Raised locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1967. Linda married Frederick J. “Fred” Sokolowski on October 10, 1972. Together they shared a loving union for over 52 years. Linda devoted her younger years to raising her children. When she returned to the workforce, she worked at a real estate appraisal firm. Most recently, she was employed as an accounts clerk with the New York State Department of Health in both their Utica and Rome offices until her retirement. Throughout her life, everyone marveled at Linda’s tremendous strength. The perfect matriarch, she built her life around her love for her family and their needs. She was wholeheartedly selfless, always putting the needs of others above her own even up until her final breath. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and adored Nana who believed her grandchildren completed her life circle of love. An excellent and talented baker, Linda could often be found in the kitchen. There was nothing she couldn’t create! From her ability to turn simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, everything she made was done with love. Linda also enjoyed traveling, especially when a getaway included a trip to the casino. She particularly loved the excitement of slot machines. Linda was a parishioner of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Fred; daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Gary Heenan; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey “Jeff” and Lisa Sokolowski; grandchildren, Riley Heenan, Jack Heenan; Lauren Sokolowski, and Andrew Sokolowski; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Angela and John Storey, and Joann and Joseph Palumbo. She further leaves to cherish her memory many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Joan Marie Sokolowski (the late Thomas Sokolowski), Michael Dale Strife (the late Patricia Strife), and Edward Sokolowski and M.J. Hall; and many special friends in her life, especially acknowledging the group she lovingly referred to as “the Girls,” and her longtime neighbor of 52 years, Terry Pugliese. Linda was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernard and Ruth (Cookinham) Sokolowski. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, staff, and caregivers, with special mention to Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., for their care and compassion. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Linda’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Linda’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate, or to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online/; envelopes will also be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Linda M. (Cannistra) Sokolowski

February 12, 1950 - March 30, 2025