Noel E. (Taylor) O'Garro

Mrs. Noel Ernestine (Taylor) O'Garro, age 76, of Utica, went to be with the Lord when she passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Harlem, NY on January 3, 1932, Noel was the daughter of the late James A. and Georgiana Taylor. Raised and educated in Harlem, she was a graduate of SUNY College where she earned an Associates Degree in medical laboratory technology. On July 24, 1954 she married Peter A. O’Garro, Sr. with whom she shared 51 years prior to his passing on September 25, 2005. The couple shared a close bond of friendship and supported each other’s independence in life. Noel worked as a laboratory technician at the Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan. Truly fit for her career, she was both gentle and proficient with the people entrusted to her care, and she took great reward in helping others. She retired in 1992 and that year she relocated to Utica to be with family. Her generous and caring personality allowed her to be an extraordinary mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As an active and hard-working woman, Noel was an excellent provider to her children, always looking for an opportunity to show her family the beauty held in life. She had an ability to share stories and could always be counted on to capture her listener’s attention. In her younger days she was an athlete who enjoyed boxing, basketball and tennis. She also found pleasure in music and musical instruments which motivated her to serve as a youth band director for many years. A performer in her own right, her specialty was playing the trumpet. She was a member of the Greater Grace Church of Utica. Noel is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Peter A., Jr. and DeVana O’Garro of Utica, and Edmond A. "Ed" and Camille M. O’Garro of New Rochelle; her grandchildren, Peter DeVon, and LaDonna O’Garro, Pedra D. O’Garro, and Pedrick D. O’Garro, all of Utica; Jennifer Noel O’Garro, and Colin A. O’Garro, both of New Rochelle; and her great-grandchildren, DeVon Micah, Christian, Casey, and Cassidy O’Garro; Rayshaan, and his father, Tenell Patterson. Survivors also include her cousins, Trina Tuckett-Smith, Collin Smith, Jason “Jay” Smith and Terence Tuckett; her-in-laws Joseph and Jane Fenton and Helen Martin; and her many friends, with special mention of Helena Shields, Shirley Joseph, Nancy Klien, and Justin Dyer. The family offers heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate help and support extended to Noel and her family, with special thanks to the Robinson family, especially John; and the Greater Grace Church of Utica. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. Noel's Going Home Celebration will commence at 12:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Noel E. (Taylor) O'Garro

January 3, 1932 - September 4, 2008