Louann M. (Caruso) Klar

Mrs. Louann M. (Caruso) Klar, age 70, of Utica, passed away in the comfort of her home on Sunday, November 30 2008 and is now reunited with her husband, Frank. Born in Utica on October 26, 1938, Louann was the daughter of the late Louis T. and Helen “Hully” (McTiernan) Caruso. She was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. On October 22, 1960 she married Francis “Frank” Klar with whom she shared 48 years prior to his recent passing on August 24, 2008. Their marriage was a combination of love and commitment and it was laced with humor and happy times. The three months since her husband’s passing seemed like an eternity to her, and she is now back with her Frank which is where she wanted to be. Louann gave of her time to two worthwhile organizations, the Oneida County Board of Elections, and the Mt. Carmel Little League where she served as president for over 22 years. She was proud and very inspired by the rewards of these commitments. Her friends and loved ones will recall many gracious acts of kindness that were evident throughout her life. She loved her children and was supportive and involved in their lives. She was a good communicator and a good listener, an inspirational mother and an incredible grandmother and great-grandmother. She also watched over her niece, Karen, and her nephew, Joey, as her own. There was an open-door policy at her home where she cooked bountiful meals and created a festive atmosphere around the holidays. A woman of great strength of character, Louann often sacrificed her own needs to provide for those she loved. She was blessed with a “one-in-a-million” personality and she shared her honesty, trust, and loyalty with those who crossed her path. She was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Louann is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Paul Bottini of Utica; her sons and daughter-in-law, Francis “Franny” Klar, Jr., and Louis “Louie” Klar, both of Utica, John and Debbie Klar of Rome; and her “adopted” son, Phil Spalding; her grandchildren, Paul, Kara, Krystyna and Stephen Bottini; Jonathon Klar; and James Sylvester; the expected arrival of her future grandson who would be known as “Dude”; and her great-grandchildren, Eddie, Angelo, and Annalicia. Survivors also include her brother, Thomas Caruso of Utica; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially acknowledging Charlene and Don Widrick; and her in-laws. Louann also shared a special friendship with her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Anna and Jack Dingley, and her best friend, Angie Ficchi and family. She was predeceased by her in-laws, and she held fond memories of her family friend, Louis Ficchi. The family is grateful to Dr. Paula Vecchio and her LPN, Sue Bonney, Dr. Samir Desai, and the staff of the Heritage Healthcare Center 2West for all the care and attention shown to both Louann and Frank Klar during their respective stays. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Louann’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Louann M. (Caruso) Klar

October 26, 1938 - November 30, 2008