Mrs. Olympia (Annoscia) Verna

UTICA - Mrs. Olympia (Annoscia) Verna, age 85, went home to the Lord peacefully in the comfort of her home on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. Her family mourned her passing and commemorated her life at her bedside. Olympia was the daughter of the late Giorgio and Nunzia (Lambo) Annoscia. She was born on November 29, 1931 in the beautiful port city of Bari, Italy overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the site of her ancestral roots, the source of her core values, and the setting for her wedding vows that she took on April 30, 1958 when she married Michael “Mino” Verna. They were truly in love, from the beginning of their relationship 10 years before their nuptials, until their last day together in this life. They were of one mind in so many interests and activities. Olympia loved and longed for her homeland where she was raised, educated, married, and blessed with children. She came to Utica with her husband and two daughters and at one time held a position at the Masonic Care Community and later at the Florentine Bakery as well as the Joseph & Feiss Company. She was a woman of strength and resilience, and her wisdom was exceeded only by her humility. She taught her children by example and she and Mino worked hard to raise them right. She always had a sincere smile on her face. The love of family fueled her life and fired her desire to be the best mother and Nonna. She was incredibly caring, accepting, and forgiving. She had the patience of her beloved Bari’s patron, St. Nicholas, a virtue which her children marveled at. They were able to love her as a mom and later as a best friend. She was enduring in many ways. Even on days that were distressing or drudging, she had the amazing ability to carry on and look after her home, her husband, and her girls. Memories of her altruism, sense of humor, and warm way of making you feel so special are reminders of how much she will be missed now. Olympia valued friendships, laughter, and fun-filled times. She enjoyed singing and dancing about her home to her favorite music. She also had the virtue of hospitality, and a meal at her table was a must. A fabulous cook, her Italian dinners were prepared for the week and she fashioned a care package for every family member. Her husband helped out in the kitchen when she needed a hand in preparing the recipes. One of her New Year’s Eve specialties were panzerottis. Sunday dinners at one o’clock in the afternoon and the Christmas Eve feast featuring favorite traditional seafood fare, were blessed times at their home. A devout Catholic, she honored Padre Pio, her patron saint, and had a reverence for Saints Cosmas and Damian. She made the Sign of the Cross as a symbol of respect when passing a church or holy place. She prayed for her family and for the strength to endure her days. She put her trust in the Lord and believed in destiny, often saying “Questa e la vita”… “This is life.” Mom was a wonder woman, remarkable in her accomplishments, humble in her heart. She always said “ti voglio bene,” a memory for a lifetime. “We love you, too”… forever. Olympia is survived by her beloved “Mino,” and her daughters and sons-in-law who were “sons,” Angela and John Arcuri of New Hartford, and Nancy “Tina” and Joe Arcuri of Manlius. She was Nonna to John and Kimberly Arcuri, Michael and Shannon Arcuri, Joey Arcuri, Audrey Arcuri, and Rachelle Arcuri, who was also her goddaughter; and her great-grandchildren who lit up her life, Johnny, Jason, and Jaxon; and Serena. She also leaves her sister, Dora DeFazio of Utica; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and in-laws, Pupa Annoscia and members of her husband’s family; and her closest friends, Tina Caggese, and Graziella Nasti. She was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Domenica and Michele Ranieri, Michele Annoscia, Alfonso Annoscia, Natalie and Jack McCormack; and her brother-in-law, Sam DeFazio. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Samir Desai for his medical guidance and inspiration, Dr. Bhisham Garg for his gracious and kind care; the staff of Trusted Friends Home Care who tended to Olympia with compassion, respect and dignity, including Sandy, Heather, Bri, and especially Jody Ingraham; members of the Utica Police Department and the Utica Fire Department for their timely response and assistance on numerous occasions; and her good neighbors, the Racinovic and Dizdarevic families, and Michael Taylor, all of whom were there to lend a hand. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Olympia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Olympia’s honor may be made to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish Memorial Fund; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mrs. Olympia (Annoscia) Verna

November 29, 1931 - May 16, 2017