Shirley J. (Wheelock) DiCesare

Mrs. Shirley J. (Wheelock) DiCesare, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving and devoted family by her side. Her passing occurred after a courageous battle with cancer that broke down her body, but never broke her spirit. Born in Utica on February 19, 1938, Shirley was the daughter of the late Wendell Wheelock and Myrtle D. (Smith) Wheelock-Vilardi. She also knew the love of her late step-father, James C. Vilardi. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1955. On May 17, 1958 she married Joseph D. DiCesare with whom she shared 55 years; theirs was a strong marriage, a bond of unconditional love that survived trials and tribulations. It was a marriage made in heaven. For a period of time, Shirley was employed as a Bookkeeper at the former Oneida National Bank until the birth of her children. She later worked as an Office Manager and Tax Consultant at H & R Block, and later on worked in the credit departments of both Goldbergs and Montgomery Ward Department Stores. Most recently, Shirley held a position with the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., where she would warmly offer visitors her assistance at the donation table. A woman of character, Shirley was firm in her convictions, brave in the face of adversity, and compassionate of heart. As a result, she put the needs of others before hers. Her warmth extended not only to her immediate family but to her extended family as well. She touched so many lives during her journey that she was affectionately referred to as “Nonnie”. At home, she was an excellent cook, known for “the best” apple pie. The holidays were a very special time for Shirley, especially the holy days of Christmas and Easter. Her altruism was evident in her knitting skills as she created over 70 beautiful prayer shawls for cancer patients. She enjoyed her time traveling with her husband wherever his work led him. As an avid tennis fan, she enjoyed following the Wimbledon and the Virginia Slim matches. She will always be remembered as a “No Mercy” gin rummy player, always known to beat her beloved Joe. Shirley was devoted to her Catholic faith which she practiced at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Shirley is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe”; and her daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Marty Nemecek. She held close in her heart the memory of her son, Joseph D. DiCesare, Jr., her guardian angel, who passed away in infancy on March 30, 1959. Shirley’s sun rose and set on her cherished and devoted grandson and best friend, Stefan Nemecek. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, and in-laws Sebastian “Buster” and Mary DiCesare, Helen DiCesare, and Connie DeCesare. She was predeceased by her sisters, Geraldine Carpenter, and Iona Venettozzi; her brothers, Melvin “Joseph” Wheelock, and Stewart Wheelock; and her in-laws, Peter J. DiCesare, Carl J. DeCesare, Pasquale “Pat” DiCesare, and Lorenza DiCesare. The family extends sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the 6th floor of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially the A-Team, Dena, Christina, Debbie, Shelly, Jen, Melissa, Morgan, Erin, Wendy, and Cindy for their care and complete dedication to Shirley. Heartfelt thanks are also accorded to Dr. Samir Desai for his special non-stop care; and her family physician, Dr. Samuel Gooldy. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Shirley’s honor to Notre Dame High School in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Shirley’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning 10:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Shirley J. (Wheelock) DiCesare

February 19, 1938 - August 13, 2013