Mrs. Marissa A. "Rissy" (Gentile) Wendt

SYRACUSE/NEW HARTFORD- Mrs. Marissa A. “Rissy” (Gentile) Wendt, age 47, went directly to Heaven to be with the Lord when she passed away during the hour of Divine Mercy on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 in the comfort of her parents’ home with her entire family by her side. Marissa fought cancer valiantly for two and a half years before she succumbed to the disease. Born in Utica on February 15, 1971, Marissa was the daughter of Wayne and Sylvia (Skane) Gentile. She attended St. Peter’s Catholic Grammar School and was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1990. She continued her education at Mohawk Valley Community College where she took prerequisite courses that prepared her for the State Board Exam to enter the field of nursing as a professional Registered Nurse. On February 29, 2008 she married Karl J. Wendt. Karl felt blessed to have such a good wife and a remarkable relationship. Marissa was the captain of the ship, and Karl was her co-captain. Marissa worked as a Registered Nurse in local hospitals in Utica and in the Home Care Division at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse. She was a compassionate, caring nurse and was beloved by her patients and co-workers. She had a big heart for humanity and incredible patience. Marissa was meant to work in the medical field and was especially proud of her professional accomplishments. Marissa had a hysterical sense of humor and the quickest, most sassy wit. She was a makeup diva, and her beautiful smile lit up a room. She brought life to the party and laughter to everyone’s lips. She was fond of family gatherings and outdoor activities, especially at the family camp at Otter Lake in the Adirondacks. She loved the pine and cedar scent of the outdoor air, bon fires, and she was the queen of s’mores. Whenever they were fishing she was the first to reel one in, much to the dismay of her brother! She enjoyed shopping, and she loved to cook and bake. She watched cooking shows focused on Cajun and Southern food, and programs featuring her favorite comedians. She believed in the Lord and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. She promised to meet her loved ones at the bench, just outside the gate of Heaven, and she will bring hope to all! Marissa is survived by her husband, Karl; her devoted parents, Wayne and Sylvia; her beautiful daughters, Sydney, Mackenzie, and Xiomara “Xio”, all of whom she loved with all her heart; she had a special love for Jordan Gentile along with Chelsea and Olivia. She will remain in the hearts of her siblings and their loves, Wayne, Jr. and Susan (Wagner) Gentile, and Rochelle and Chad Hull; her nieces, nephews, including Austin, and Paige Gentile, Hope, and Hannah Russo, Josh, Chad Jr., and Isabella Hull; uncles and aunts, including Anthony and Phyliss Gentile; numerous cousins; and mother-in-law, Kay Wendt. She remained in close contact with her grammar school friends, especially Janene “Bird” Tirado, Matt Mackay, Joe Carlo, Jr., and her nursing school friend, Michelle Conte. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Albert C. and Frances Gentile; and her especially beloved maternal grandparents, Anthony “Ba” and Thelma “Gigi” Skane. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Sharon Springer, Dr. Olga Klingerman, the nurses, and the staff of Hematology-Oncology Associates, Syracuse; the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their outstanding care; a special thank you to Reverend Joseph Salerno and Father Tom Servatius for their visits and their blessings, and the many in the Tuesday Rosary prayer group hosted by Jim and Patty Salerno, and her sister Bernie Hughes who offered their prayers up for Marissa; her co-workers and company administrators who were amazing, supportive, and generous beyond expectation; her sister, Rochelle “Roey”, her friend Janene, and her sister-in-law, Sue; they all worked diligently organizing Marissa’s fundraiser last July which was such a hopeful and inspiring event. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Contributions in Marissa’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at http://hospicecareinc.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Marissa’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. “Until we meet again…”

Mrs. Marissa A. "Rissy" (Gentile) Wendt

February 15, 1971 - May 30, 2018