Victoria "Vicky" (Salem) Tehan

Mrs. Victoria “Vicky” (Salem) Tehan, age 92, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 8, 1917, Victoria was the daughter of the late Elias and Bahia (Secard) Salem. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. In 1941 she married Louis B. Tehan with whom she shared 33 years prior to his passing on April 17, 1974; they were well-suited for each other and they shared in a business life as well as an equally important family life. Vicky and her late husband co-owned and operated Tehan’s Wholesale, a legendary novelty wholesale company which originated a new concept that flourished and was successful through their hard work. Originally based on James Street, the company then relocated to Mohawk Street, and lastly to Commercial Drive. Vicky was a humble, unassuming, hard-working woman blessed with the “kindest soul and bluest eyes”. She enjoyed her pastimes of crocheting blankets and preparing her delicious ‘s-shaped’ cookies, which were both made with love and given with generosity. Her hospitality was also seen as she volunteered nearly 20 years at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center as a receptionist in the surgical waiting room. A woman of deep faith, Vicky’s spirituality was the basis of the way she lived her life. She participated in novenas at St. Anthony of Padua Church and was a member of the Christ Child Society. She was a faithful communicant of her home parish, St. Basil’s Melkite Church. Over the years, Vicky earned a great deal of success in many phases of her life, but Vicky remained humble despite those many achievements. She chose the path of hard work and integrity. She devoted herself to accomplishing the goals she believed in and was rewarded with the love and respect of her family and many friends. May her heart always be at peace. The Tehan family at this time mourns the loss of Vicky’s eldest son, Basil, who joined his mother in heaven as he passed away this Wednesday, the day that she departed. Vicky is survived by her children, Robert J. and Kamleh Tehan of New Hartford, Frederick J. and Kathleen Tehan of Marcy, Richard J. and Joanne Tehan, Steven A. and Kathleen Tehan, all of New Hartford, and Marianne and Seth Gordon of Clifton Park. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter-in-law, Basil’s wife, Bertha, who preceded her in death. She also leaves her grandchildren, Victoria and Timothy Keil, Louis and Wendy Tehan, Elizabeth and Daniel Cornell, Joseph Tehan; Louis and Lisa Tehan, David and Norma Tehan; Patricia Tehan, Michael Tehan, Richard M. Tehan; Kara Tehan, Jessica Tehan, Richard W. Tehan; Christine and Jesi Personett, Laura Tehan; Sean Gordon, Jacob Gordon; and her great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ryan, and Brandon, Olivia, and Lillian, Alissa, Andrea, and Arica, Mary Magdalene and Robert. Survivors also include her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Salem. Vicky was also blessed with many wonderful friends throughout her life from childhood to the last moments of her life journey. A truly grateful thank you is extended to those special people who touched her life with companionship, coffee time, crafting, friendship, and support. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Julia and Albert Adjan; and her brother, Anthony Salem. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Albany and Saratoga Wings at the Masonic Care Community of NY who were so kind and compassionate while caring for Vicky. Visitation for Victoria and her son, Basil will be shared Friday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Funeral services will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Basil’s Melkite Church where the Divine Liturgy for both will be celebrated by Msgr. Julien Eliane assisted by Deacon Dan Klockowski. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum.

Victoria "Vicky" (Salem) Tehan

January 8, 1917 - August 19, 2009