Monica (Hughes) Fontaine

Mrs. Monica (Hughes) Fontaine, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Holyhead on the Island of Anglesey, North Wales, on September 8, 1927, Monica was the daughter of the late William and Mary Catherine (Owen) Hughes. She also knew the love and guidance of her 2nd mother, Catherine. As a child, she immigrated to the United States and to Utica with her family where she was raised and educated, attending Utica Free Academy. On August 30, 1947 she married Mario Fontaine with whom she recently celebrated 62 years of marriage; a couple of their era, they shared a great love and support for each other and were blessed with happiness and harmony. Monica was a dedicated homemaker and mother who displayed a devotion to her family and their well being. For many years, she was employed by the Utica City School District in the food service department at Columbus School, a position she thoroughly enjoyed. Affectionately known to the students as “Grandma”, she would beam with joy when the children recognized her and called her by name. She retired in November of 2008. She was proud of her Welsh heritage, and also honored her husband’s Italian celebrations and traditions. She enjoyed storytelling and with her great sense of humor, she was the life of the party. She had a flair for entertaining at her home and always found a way to have fun. She sang in her church choir and offered her talents as a soloist. She also played the organ ‘by ear’ and played the piano and sang until recent days. She was a former member of the St. David’s Society and a member of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Monica is survived by her husband, Mario; her daughter and son-in-law, Lyn and Larry Oyer of Clifton Park, NY; her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald M., Sr. and Josette M. Fontaine of Utica, and her daughter-in-law, Paula Fontaine of Whitesboro. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Gary R. Fontaine, UFD who passed away on June 18th of this year. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Ronald M., Jr. and Brianne Fontaine, Michele and Bob Roberts, Lisa D. Fontaine, Kristina Fiorini and her friend Brian Listovitch, Gary Fontaine, Jr., Jackie Tucciarone, and Sara Tucciarone; and her adored great-grandson, Michael Fiorini. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Wavel “Wave” and Joseph Cichello of Whitesboro; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Brunhilde, Betty, Mary Leo, S. Steve and Delores Fontaine, Gerald and Marion Fontaine, and Lucy Fontaine; and the wonderful friends she made throughout her life with special mention of her longtime friends, Connie and Chuck Gaetano. She was predeceased by her brothers, Ret. Lt. Colonel U.S. Air Force Gwilym Hughes, and John Hughes; her sister, Dylis Jones; and her in-laws, Charles Fontaine, Santina Fontaine, Albert J. “Booboo” Fontaine, and Liberty Leo. The family is grateful to Dr. Kevin McCormick, Dr. Ashok Patel, Dr. Chris Max, the outstanding staff at the St. Luke’s Home, and the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center and the entire 2nd floor staff, especially Aaron, Riveta, Sara and Nicole. Their care and compassion were of the greatest solace to the family. Monica's family also wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Scott Brehaut for his kindness. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Monica's funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Monica (Hughes) Fontaine

September 8, 1927 - September 1, 2009