Marion A. (Fanelli) Belden

Mrs. Marion A. (Fanelli) Belden, of Utica, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2007, at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital with her loving daughter by her side. Born in Utica on October 10, 1923, Marion was the daughter of the late Rocco and Mary Grace “Hattie” (Caruso) Fanelli. She was raised and educated locally and attended T.R. Proctor High School. On August 21, 1948 she married Vincent J. Belden, who was a partner in the accounting firm of Ganey, Hagan & Co, and the supervisor of the 2nd Ward of the city of Utica. Their marriage was well-founded upon love for each other and devotion to their family. Marion and Vincent were blessed with a union of 33 years until his passing on January 12, 1982. During her working life, Marion held a variety of positions. She was a shoe salesperson at Nisley Beautiful Shoes; she assisted her uncle at the Northern Lights hot dog stand in North Utica; and she was a site manager at the Cornhill Senior Center for the Nutrition program. She selflessly retired to care for her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma-ma”. Her daughter and her grandchildren were the heart and soul of her life. An altruistic woman who loved her time on this earth, she had a feisty, vibrant personality, and loved to socialize and make her home welcome to visitors. As a seasoned cook, she entertained her guests with her wonderful homemade Italian cuisine. Always active and energetic, Marion was for many years an avid bowler with the Utica Women’s Bowling Association. She also taught Italian mini classes at Utica Catholic Academy, which her students have affectionately remembered through the years. She was best known for those cooking classes and the cookbook she produced entitled The Art of Italian Cooking. She was a member of the Ladies Progressive Golf League at Twin Ponds, and also the Valley View Ladies Golf League. Marion called Bingo for over 35 years, first at UCA, and later at Notre Dame, where she was fondly regarded as “the B-9 lady.” When not calling, Marion could be found playing the game she so loved. She also enjoyed scratching lottery games of chance and playing cards with her friends and family. In more recent years, she was acknowledged by the Marian Association at Notre Dame High School for lifetime contribution to Catholic Education. She was a longtime devoted parishioner of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, the Mother’s Club, and the PTA while her daughters attended school. As a cheerleading coach at Blessed Sacrament, she led the squad to a championship. Marion is survived by her daughter, Gail L. Belden-Harrington of New Hartford with whom she resided. Always close to her heart was the memory of her beloved daughter, Deborah A. Belden, who passed away on April 15, 1968. Also surviving are her cherished grandchildren, Shane D. Harrington, Courtney L. Harrington, and Brittany-paige Harrington, and their father, David A. Harrington. Marion enjoyed a special relationship with her daughter Gail’s in-laws, June and Bud Harrington and Alison and Patrick O’Leary. In addition, she leaves her in-laws, Josephine Wolanin, and Marion M. Belden, who were like sisters to her. She shared a very special closeness with her niece Kelley and her husband, Kenneth Towne and their children Mark Rodeo, Nicole Rodeo, Karlie, Kenny, Keara, and Alexis Towne. She also leaves her nieces and nephews and their families, Kimberly Wirkus, Joanne Price, Bill and Sharon Wolanin, Marguerite (Dolly) and Al Banek, David and Susan Wolanin, Dean Wolanin, her godchild Suzanne Wolanin and Claire Jenny, Barbara Mario, Mary Leahy, Dr. R. Michael Belden and Dr. Kathy Belden, Mary Theresa Belden, Dr. William Belden and Dr. Tammy Belden; her great-nieces, and great-nephews; and her godson Dr. William W. Mark of Md; and her aunts, Rose Gugliuzza of CA, and Mary Caruso of Utica; and her cousins, including her favorite cousins, Mary Salerno of New Hampshire, and Ceil Soellner of Florida; Janet Herbowy of Whitesboro, James and Ursula DelMonte of Clinton, Roberta DelMonte of Whitesboro, Annmarie and Daniel Corleto of Utica, Carmen and Barbara Daino, Dolores Hone, Frances Scory, and Connie Modnick, all of CA, and John and Deb Soellner of Fla. Marion shared in many rewarding and lasting friendships which continued throughout the years, especially with Clareen, Lillian, and Ginny and her “Friends of Notre Dame.” She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Concetta (Tina) and Lawrence Wirkus; her brothers-in-law, William Belden, Raymond Belden, and William Wolanin, her uncles, Christy Gugliuzza, and Ben Caruso; her nephew, Tom Price; her great-nephew, Tommy Price; and her cousins, Jack DelMonte, Esther Goldstein, Donna DelMonte, Gerry Herbowy, and Henry Salerno. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Dr. William Berkery who cared for Marion with dignity and respect and was considered more like family; and to the staff of Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital, especially Kara, Oscar, Maureen and Trish, for their genuine care and compassion. A special thank you is offered to Ann Spina and her daughters, Gabrielle and Jaclyn for their constant love and support for Marion, not only in recent times, but through the years. Gail and her family appreciate the friendship. Thanks also to Ondrea Grippe –Getz and her husband Steve who offered their caring concern and generosity. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Mrs. Belden’s honor to one of the following: Notre Dame High School, Inlet Ambulance Corp., or Crouse Health Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Marion’s funeral will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Marion was lovingly known to her grandchildren’s friends as “Grandma-ma.” “We love you Grandma-ma and we will miss you very much.”