Marie J. Gaetano

Miss Marie J. Gaetano, age 85, of N. Utica, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 14, 1922, Marie was the daughter of the late Ralph and Marian (Lescio) Gaetano. She was raised and educated locally. Marie was employed as an assembler at the Bendix Corp., retiring from that company in 1985 after 32 years of dedicated service. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. She was a caregiver by nature and will always be remembered for her selfless and thoughtful ways. In her leisure time she liked to travel. She was of the Catholic faith. Miss Gaetano is survived by a very special niece, Teddy Allen and her husband, Alan, of Poland NY; her nephews and their wives, John and Pat Gaetano of Cicero NY, Phil and Lorraine Gaetano, and Ken and Lisa Gaetano, all of Utica; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, A.J. and Kelly Allen and Cherene Allen-Caraco and her husband, Sal, all of Charlotte, NC, Michele Gaetano, Gina Gaetano, Kenny Gaetano, Vinny Gaetano, Anthony Gaetano and Alyssa Gaetano, all of Utica, Nikki Gaetano of Cicero, and Tim and Lynn Gaetano of Virginia Beach, VA. She was also blessed with a great-great niece, Celia Marie Allen of Charlotte, NC. Marie was preceded in death by a sister, Beatrice "Beaty" Gaetano who passed away in 1997, and her brothers, Philip Gaetano, who passed away in 1979 and John Gaetano who passed away in 2003. In addition, she was deeply saddened by the loss of her longtime canine companion, Punky, whose death occurred in 2003. Marie's family was deeply touched by the dedication of Dr. Ahmad Mian and staff, Dr. Ute Driener and Dr. Michael DeJesus, who all offered professional guidance that was delivered with much compassion and dignity. A special thank you is extended to the entire staff of the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center for their personal care and commitment while caring for Marie. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In keeping with Marie's wishes, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions in Marie's name may be made to Wegener's Syndrome Vasculitis under the direction of the Vasculitis Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be sent to the foundation directly at PO Box 28660 Kansas City MO 64188-8660 (www.vasculitisfoundation.org). Marie's funeral service and Celebration of Life will be offered on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. immediately upon the conclusion of visitation with the Rev. John Rose officiating. Entombment will take place in the Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Marie J. Gaetano

November 14, 1922 - May 2, 2008