Nancy V. (Scafidi) Ricci

Mrs. Nancy V. (Scafidi) Ricci, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her family by her side. Born in Norwich, NY on November 26, 1915, Nancy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Concetta (Saltamachio) Scafidi. She was raised and educated in Norwich. On December 27, 1937 she was joined in marriage to Daniel Ricci who passed away on July 18, 1996. A compatible couple, their marriage was blessed with true devotion to family and to one another. For numerous years of her working life, Nancy was employed as a saleswoman at Mutual Distributors. A dedicated and self-sacrificing matriarch, she tended to the needs of her family first. Strong willed and independent, she lived and cared for herself until the gentle age of 91. She was a talented baker, a great cook, and a meticulous housekeeper at her home which was the center of her existence. For Nancy, motherhood was a grand experience, the gift of grandchildren enriched her life, and the role of great-grandmother was a time of great joy. During her leisure time, she loved to garden, especially flowers, and she skillfully knit many treasures and bestowed them to her loved ones. She was also an avid reader, especially of books by Danielle Steel. She was a communicant of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church. Nancy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Madeline and Donald Helfert of N. Utica, with whom she shared the past few years which enriched her life. Nancy mourned the loss of her son, Joseph Ricci, who passed away on July 6, 1976 and whose memory she cherished close to her heart. She also leaves her grandchildren, Daniel and Beth Ricci, Jason Ricci and fiancée Carrie Walker; Michelle and Graham Heaslip, Paul and Peggy Helfert, and Michael and Jenn Helfert; her great-grandchildren, Nicole Ricci, Daniele Ricci, Jenna and Chloe Heaslip, and Madyson Rose and Daniel Helfert. Survivors also include her sister, Annie Mariani; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Florence “Babe” Ricci of Utica. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Kate Scafidi; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances and George Natoli, Rose and Joseph Rigo, Mary and Fred Gallmeyer, Katherine and Neil Lachniet, Lena Rintrona, Connie VanPalt, and Dick Mariani; her daughter-in-law, Diane Goodier; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Giuseppe and Maria Ricci; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dominick and Mary Ricci, Josephine and Frank Coreno, and Armon Ricci. The family is grateful to Dr. Ira Tisch for his longtime professional and personal concern; the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially those of Special Care, for their compassionate and supportive attention to Nancy and her family; and the staff of the Saratoga Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY who were outstanding in their care. While Nancy was at home, her family was aided by her son-in-law, Don, and the staff of the Visiting Nurses. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 3:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Nancy's honor to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Nancy's funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Nancy V. (Scafidi) Ricci

November 26, 1915 - June 12, 2009