Margherita "Margaret" (Macari) Cardarelli

Mrs. Margherita “Margaret” (Macari) Cardarelli, affectionately known to many as “Mamma”, age 96, of Utica, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2008 at the Heritage Healthcare Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Settefrati, Province of Frosinone, Italy on July 4, 1911, Margherita was the daughter of the late Liberato and Josephine (Tamburri) Macari. She was raised and educated in Italy and on March 13, 1930, she married Dante Cardarelli. The couple immigrated to Utica in 1962, and a beautiful and blessed bond of 50 years existed between the two of them until Dante’s passing on August 29, 1980; her children take great comfort in knowing that they are reunited. Margaret’s primary focus was to care for her large family and her home. Her fortitude, work ethic and integrity made her an exemplary role model. Above all, her love for family was the centerpiece of her life. As a woman ahead of her time, she shared the wisdom of her life experiences. She encouraged each of her children to become the best person they could be and knowing they achieved their full potential made her most proud. In spite of life's adversities, she always had a smile on her face and hugs and kisses for all. The high point of her life was to have her family together at her table serving her famous ‘lasagna and meatballs’. During her spare time, she crocheted many blankets that her children still cherish today. She was an avid walker, and routinely walked 3 miles a day to the age of 90. Deeply devoted to her St. Anthony, often with rosary in hand, she always prayed for her family and those in need. She was a devoted member of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Margaret is survived by her children and their spouses, Clara and Mario Perrella of Italy, Fernando “Fred” and Dolores Cardarelli of New Hartford, Anna Baldana of Italy, Romeo and Beatrice Cardarelli of Boston, MA, Mirella and Dominick DeSimone of Frankfort, NY, John “Nino” and Gabriella Cardarelli of Manlius, NY, Luciana “Luci” and Christopher Barnes of Cherry Hill, NJ, Marisa and Bob Greer of New Hartford, and Pina Cardarelli and husband Jordan Sher of San Francisco, CA; her 22 grandchildren; and her 22 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brother and sister-in-law, Anthony “Tony” and Mary Macari of Long Island; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Rose Macari of Yonkers, NY. She was also blessed with many friendships throughout her lifetime. She was predeceased by her brothers, Mario Macari, Philip Macari, and Michael Macari; and her son-in-law, Pino Baldana. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of the 6th floor at the Heritage Healthcare Center who cared and loved Margaret during her stay in the Heritage community. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations to the Heritage Health Care Center to be used for a memorial garden in memory of Mamma. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Margaret’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in San Donato, VC Cemetery in Italy where she lived until coming to the US.

Margherita "Margaret" (Macari) Cardarelli

July 4, 1911 - March 14, 2008