Mrs. Lorrie A. (Arcuri) Markason

WHITESBORO - Mrs. Lorrie A. (Arcuri) Markason, age 58, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and children, on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born in Utica on September 19, 1962, Lorrie was the daughter of the late Joseph J., Sr. and Jeanne M. (Grande) Arcuri. She attended Hugh R. Jones, Albany St., and Columbus Elementary Schools, and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1980. An active and popular student, Lorrie forged wonderful friendships and made many memories during her school years. She played sports, including volley ball which was her passion. She was also active in planning her class reunions, and she could find you! On February 28, 1989, Lorrie went on her first date with Robert “Bob” Markason, a date that ignited their love, and on May 25, 1991 they were married with a great celebration that followed. They shared 29 years of knowing their mutual heart’s desires, and they made them come true. Bob faithfully remained by her side during her illness, upholding their love and their nuptial vows. Lorrie was a perceptive and accommodating person, which made her years spent working in retail quite rewarding. Being a mom was so important to her, and her greatest desire was to have a large, loving family, …and what a great job she did! When she paused to raise her children, Hart’s Hill Elementary was a place she could share her love of ALL children, and she landed the perfect job — working at the school as a Teacher’s Aide, with an outstanding ability to live up to any and all of the responsibilities with compassion and competence. Lorrie garnered the love and respect throughout the school. It was the mutual relationship between her principal and her need for her cancer treatments that always seemed to magically allow her to be the person she needed to be. The halls of Hart’s Hill will “forever echo her voice”. Lorrie and Bob made a joint venture and opened a restaurant called Papa Joes, named after both of their fathers. Their location in Washington Mills was quaint, clean, and she was the “sauce boss”. They gave this opportunity their heart and soul and met many wonderful people in their time in business. Lorrie also found the time to assist her best friend, Gina LaBella, with the party planning business she owns and whenever she was around she brought her own “Lorrie Flair” to the event. In 2004, she was diagnosed with cancer and was in remission until 2014. When she was the guest speaker at the Mayor’s Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon, through her words and her personal experience, she was an inspiration to the audience; her words were her strength and the reason she wrote a book entitled “Refusing to Lose, Cancer Really Picked the Wrong Bitch”. Her life was faith based, and God was by her side. She knew that Jesus was always carrying her. She learned the tenets of her Catholic religion early in life and she prayed the Rosary, prepared a prayer list each morning, and attended a Bible group with her daughter. Her home became a nexus joining her faith and her family and friends. She wanted to keep things as normal as possible, and she originally didn’t want her kids to know of her sickness. She didn’t want her illness to define her life! Her friendships were important to her; she was their Guardian Angel on earth, and now in Heaven. Many people found her to be their hero. A fashionista with a flair, Lorrie loved floating in the pool soaking up the sun, accompanied by her favorite playlist of music, Saranac Thursdays where she saw old friends and always looked forward to meeting new ones and she always looked great, bonfires on Saturday night, and best of all, she loved her home, …because it was where her heart was. Dogs were always a part of her life, including her many German shepherds and her one and only golden retriever. They were well-cared for and had the run of the house, especially Ozzie who was her most recent “companion.” Blessed with a unique personality, Lorrie couldn’t be matched. She was quick-witted, and with her “outside voice” she was commonly known for her bantering. She knew who she was and was humble about her accomplishments. Christmas was the “Bomb”, and she began decorating her house in October, complete with a unique Christmas tree in every room. Because she was a seasoned cook, she cooked for the seasons, making and baking everyone’s favorite dishes. On a regular day, rarely heard of nowadays, 5:30 pm was sit-down time for dinner—no fast food! A fun-loving lady, she didn’t miss a beat, always had a comeback, and was silly to the end. She was a disco queen and Bob was a rock ’n roller, and luckily, they had a ‘meeting of the minds’ with Motown as their happy place. Lorrie lost her dad at the age of 18, and she had so many of his traits. Knowing that they were going to be back together was a peaceful feeling for her. Her suffering is now over, and even though she knew she would not live to take care of her family any longer, she took comfort in knowing that now they can all take care of each other. One of her “last hurrahs” in life and a request come true, was her “Lorenzo” Raymond — she got her grandson, her biggest blessing, to see his arrival and his 1st birthday. Lorrie’s life was a success story, and even with the ups and downs, she stayed the course, …faithful to the end. Lorrie is survived by her cherished husband, Bob; her children and their loves, Joseph Anthony and Dr. Kim Wadas- Markason, Alexandra “Ali” Markason, Regina Markason and Stephen Ferrone, and Zachary Markason; her fabulous grandson, Lorenzo Raymond Ferrone; her siblings, Jo-Ann (Arcuri) Padula, Susan Arcuri, Gina Arcuri, and Joseph J. Arcuri, Jr. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Robert Hajduk; Matthew Arcuri, Danielle (Melvin) Fargas, Mikey Gonzalez; and Makenzie Ambrose; great-nieces and great-nephews, including Matthew Jr., Vito, Adrianna; Giovanni, Nadia, and Giada; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Patricia Markason; and her closest friends, Gina LaBella, Bernie Filippelli Jackson, Lisa Filippelli Taurisano and Debbie Kinsler; each of these girls offered her heart, soul, and time, to Lorrie’s needs. They were her posse! She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Rocco and Mary Grande; paternal grandparents, Dominick J. and Molly Arcuri; and aunt, Maria Arcuri. The family is grateful to Debra Walz/PA, Nurse Helena Delgrange, Dr. James Vanderhoof, and Dr. Matthew McKay, of the Oneida Roswell Oncology Center, all of whom Lorrie truly loved and trusted; Dr. Fred Talarico, primary care physician who Lorrie always turned to for advice, and he always went above and beyond to accommodate her; Fr. Joe Salerno and Fr. Edmund Castronovo for their blessings and spiritual guidance; and her cousin Tommy Torchia who graced her with love, gifts, and kindness. Mrs. Putnam and the staff of Hart’s Hill Elementary School showed Lorrie such positivity on many occasions, especially the lawn signs which were one of the last things for her to see. This community has been extended family to Lorrie, Bob, and their kids. Visitation will be held Monday from 4-6 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St, Utica. We kindly ask the cooperation and patience of guests as we adhere to current health guidelines and restrictions. All are welcome to attend Lorrie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. At both the visitation and the funeral, social distancing, registration for contact tracing, and a mask covering your nose and mouth will be required. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please take a moment to connect with Lorrie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support. “My beloved child, you have run the race and now you're home.” https://youtu.be/12KbOAc8vmk Led Zeppelin - “Thank You” (Official Audio)

Mrs. Lorrie A. (Arcuri) Markason

September 19, 1962 - October 6, 2020