Mrs. Nancy (Palmisano) Simbari

Mrs. Nancy (Palmisano) Simbari, age 87, passed away as the Lord gently lifted her soul on Thursday evening, July 21, 2016. At that last moment, she was in the hearts of those she loved most. Born in Utica on October 23, 1928, Nancy was the daughter of the late Santo and Rosa (Filomeno) Palmisano. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor and went on to receive a degree from the Utica School of Commerce. On November 26, 1953 she married Samuel “Sam” P. Simbari; they were a couple who embraced life, supported each other’s happiest moments, and held on to one another for strength during trying times. Their lives were united through love during their 62 years of marriage. At one time, Nancy held employment at IBM, taking time off to raise her family. She later worked at Holy Trinity School and then became head of the Nutrition Program for Oneida County. At the time of her death, she was a commissioner on the Board of the Utica Municipal Housing Authority. Nancy was blessed with a benevolent heart, a strong spirit, and a kind soul. She was a true friend and when you were in her company, you had a sense of belonging and goodness. As a mom, she wholeheartedly celebrated her children’s victories, cried over any disappointment, and always gave more than her very best to their wellbeing. She kept a meticulous home, and coupled with Sam keeping a pristine exterior, together they provided a welcoming comfortable home. Nancy was generous with her time and talents in so many ways. She loved her Catholic faith and for many years was a devout member of St. Agnes Church and its congregational life. She was very religious and held a great adoration for this church, attending daily Mass and proudly serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Her hard work, humble heart, and gift of time went into so many parish activities. More recently, she was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Nancy is survived by her husband, Sam; her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca J. and Jeffrey Almstead of Newtonville NY; her son, David J. Simbari and Lynn Bradley of Naples FL; and her grandchildren, Stephanie Simbari, and Stephen Simbari, both of CA, and their mother, Jill Copeland Simbari of Westchester NY. Her extended family includes her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Rosemary and Duffy Dougherty of Utica, and Ann and Tom Wolanski of Fairport NY; her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, John and Carolyn “Kitty” Simbari, and Carmen and Carolyn Simbari, all of AZ, Angie and Robert Cekosh of FL, Josephine Smart of GA, and Shirley Simbari of Syracuse; and her special friend, Marie Luce. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Mamie and John Perretta; her brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Rita Palmisano, and Frank and Rose Palmisano; and her in-laws, Frank and Evelyn Simbari, Anthony and Gretchen Simbari, Bernard Simbari, Guy Simbari, Lucy and Vincent Dannes, Mary and Roger Girouard, Pat and William Stone, and Eleanor Wells. The family wishes to extend thoughtful thanks to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center nurses and staff of 3A for their care and concern; and the caregivers of the Abraham House for their loving comfort and vigilance. The family will gather privately to honor Nancy’s life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the service. Committal prayers and Interment will take place graveside in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Nancy (Palmisano) Simbari

October 23, 1928 - July 21, 2016