Mrs. Lois Keen Paladino

VINELAND, NJ/UTICA - Lois Keen Paladino, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and her longtime caregiver. Lois was born in Vineland, New Jersey, the daughter of John and Bertha Keen. She graduated from Vineland High School and left for Washington, DC to work at the Pentagon as a secretary in the Quarter Master General’s office. In 1951 Lois met her one true love, Dr. Frank Paladino, the Intern caring for her mother at Providence Hospital in Washington. They married at St. Albins Naval Hospital Chapel in Long Island, New York on New Year’s Day in 1955. Lois supported her husband’s dream of opening a practice in his home town, to be closer to family. The couple moved to Utica with their first daughter Lauren in 1956, and Lois worked with Frank to open his medical practice. After raising her three children, Lois’s greatest dream of all came true many years later, when she became a grandmother to her first granddaughter Cecelia followed by Alana and Tommy. She was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader and watching them grow up brought her so much joy. Lois’s lasting legacy is her spirit of love, generosity, and hospitality she showed her family and everyone who came in contact with her. A daily request to Lo came from her children to have their two single aunts join them for dinner. The answer was always yes. In true fashion, she also insisted her grandchildren invite their friends to her shore house in New Jersey. In earlier days she enjoyed hosting parties with our father, allowing us kids to come downstairs in our pajamas to mingle. Lois’s family still reminisces about the Christmas Eves at her house. She loved her nieces and nephews, and shared a special relationship with them. For our mother, life was about bringing the people she loved together, and making lasting memories. Lois was a Jersey girl at heart. Her favorite place in the world was her family’s home in Stone Harbor where she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She loved serving everyone food and drinks on her dock in anticipation of a great sunset. Lo also enjoyed long walks on the beach, reading, cooking, and playing tennis back in the day with her friends. Lois was a long time member of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Guild, the Elizabethan Society, and the Yahnundasis Golf Club. She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. She leaves behind two daughters and one son, Lauren Paladino of New Hartford, Beth Everson (Tom) of Whitesboro, and Frank Paladino (Mary Cox) of Latham; and her three beloved grandchildren, Cecelia Dorothy Paladino, Alana Lois Paladino, and Thomas Keen Everson. She also leaves all her nieces and nephews she felt close to, Tere Fischer, Jill Ipnar, Cindy Gesford, and MaryAnn Beck; and Mark Keen, Kurt Brackin, Michael Paladino, and her nephew and wife in Vineland, Wayne and Darlene Castellini. She also leaves her son-in-law Tom’s and daughter-in-law Mary’s families, the Eversons and the Coxs whose long lasting love, friendship, and prayers blessed Lo and her family. She leaves her dear friends, too. She was predeceased by her husband Frank, her brother Mel, and her sisters Elaine and Diane, in addition to her four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law. Our family is forever grateful to Lo’s faithful caregiver, Sue Castilla and her family whose love and dedication to Lois for many years enhanced her quality of life. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Lo’s caregivers who worked tirelessly with Sue to keep her comfortable throughout her journey: Mary Lein, Muniba Ramovic, Kelly Ross, Emily Roberts, Diane Baker, Amanda Ouimet, and Sherefe Ramirez. We would also like to thank her doctors, Fred Talarico/MD, Scott Brehaut/MD and their staffs for the care and compassion they gave our mother. Lois’s family is also very grateful to Andrea LaQuay and her staff at Nascentia Healthcare, especially Kristy, Jason, and Glenda; and Tina, Liane, Kyrstal, Deacon Wally, and Irene at Hospice & Palliative Care for their exceptional care. Due to the COVID restrictions, the family will honor and commemorate Lois’s life with a private funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Lois’ memory to Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church online at https://mmwsk.org or by mail to 702 Columbia St., Utica, NY 13502, or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org or by mail to 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, or MVHS Foundation online at http://dev.mvhealthsystem.org/donate or by mail to 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica, NY 13502. There will be a Memorial Service held for friends and family once the COVID pandemic has eased. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Lois’ family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mrs. Lois Keen Paladino

May 12, 1926 - January 20, 2021