Lucy R. (Buono) Foresti

Mrs. Lucy R. (Buono) Foresti, age 92, of New Hartford, and more recently a resident of the Masonic Care Community of NY, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2010. Her passing occurred at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on January 16, 1918, Lucy was the daughter of the late Michel and Giovanni (Miglianica) Buono. She received her education in local schools. On July 19, 1943 she married Francis Foresti with whom she shared nearly 55 years prior to his passing on June 5, 1998. As a ‘war bride’ Lucy held great pride and admiration as she accompanied her husband during his 20-year naval career. A progressive, dynamic couple for their years, they were of one mind in many ways and were dedicated to each other during their marriage. A very loving woman, Lucy was devoted to caring for her family and home, and was most proud of being a protective and perceptive mother and a doting grandma and ‘Nini’. Throughout her life, she also shared a great closeness with her siblings and their families. Lucy was blessed with a passion for preparing Italian cuisine, and over the years, she offered her talents to several local restaurants. This community and those she served at her own table will long remember her traditional southern Italian specialties. Her strong constitution was ingrained in all her endeavors, and she graciously accepted accolades and compliments for the things that she excelled at in life. At her 90th birthday celebration, her family composed a cookbook of her own special recipes entitled “Cooking with Lucy”, copies of which she personally autographed for her loved ones. A social person, who was a decorous entertainer, Lucy’s presentations were always proper and pleasing. She always remembered others with a special gift and graceful good wishes. For a number years, she and her husband enjoyed the weather and warm friendships they made as “snowbirds” when they traveled south to Melbourne, Florida where they resided during the winter months. Lucy was a supporter and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve, and a member of the Mahjong Club at the Sons of Italy Lodge. Other pastimes included her skill at the game of cards and the excitement of the luck at bingo. Lucy and Francis had mastered the art of ballroom dancing, a bond in which they graciously shared a beautiful connection. She was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church. Lucy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis F. and Mary Joan Foresti of New Hartford; her daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Jean and Sherman F. Jones, Jr. of New Hartford, JoAnn and Anthony F. Moda of North Chili, NY, and Karen and David Hempson of Cortland; her grandchildren, Kenneth Foresti and Sherrie Rink, and Kevin and Michele Foresti; Brandon and Maxine Jones; Rebecca and Aaron Lowinger; Steven and Julie Moda; Natalie and Michael Weiskotten; and Julie Hempson and fiancé, Lucas Roberts; and her great-grandchildren, Ella Luciana, Matthew Frederick, and Isaac Francis. Survivors also include her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, a special uncle, Ralph Ruggiero, and her in-laws, Salvatore Cifonelli, Frances Buono, Katherine “Kay” LiBritz, Sam and Adelaide Foresti, and Frank and Teresa Foresti. She was predeceased by her siblings, Josephine and Patsy Bello, Mary Dominicone, Teresa and Albert Cifonelli, Carmella and August Saponaro, Paul Buono, and Rose Cifonelli; and her in-laws, Joseph and Betty Foresti, Sam LiBritz, and Mary and Carmen Putrelo. The family truly admired the professionalism, compassion and respectful attention provided to their mother by the following: the caregivers of the Visiting Nurse Association, the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Dialysis Unit, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the Intensive Care Unit, and the personnel of the Queens household at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Lucy’s honor to the Masonic Care Community of NY or to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Dialysis Unit; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lucy’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. John the Evangelist Church where her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of life will be offered. Committal services will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with interment to follow beside her husband Francis.

Lucy R. (Buono) Foresti

January 16, 1918 - May 21, 2010