Mrs. Francine "Pudge" (Talerico) Mikalajunas

July 30, 1945 - February 3, 2021

DEERFIELD - Mrs. Francine “Pudge” (Talerico) Mikalajunas, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loved ones by her side. Before her departure, she had the sweetest send off — Mike and Franny kissed for the last time, with all the loving energy she had. Born in East Utica on July 30, 1945, Francine was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Katherine (Putrelo) Talerico. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1963. She also attended the Utica School of Beauty Culture where she earned her NewYork State credentials as a Licensed Beautician. Francine co-owned and operated along with her late sister, Elsie, a well known beauty salon with an awesome atmosphere, a clientele who became family, and walls that echoed many, many laughs. The business was located on Mohawk Street, and between Tom Trevisani and Francine’s place, it grew to be a hangout for a lot of good people. In fact, this is where she met the love of her life. On October 5, 1974, in a private ceremony, witnessed and blessed by their dear friends, Jim and Gloria Rocci, Francine wed Michael Mikalajunas. He knew from the moment he met Franny that he was going to marry her! Their life was filled with so much love, fun, and legendary stories. They had a magical relationship that endured until the last moment. She loved her husband and waited on him, hand and foot for 47 years of what would be described as ‘bliss’. They truly loved each other, and their daughters knew of their love and affection, and used it as an aspiration in their lives. Francine was a force to be reckoned with. She had a magnetic personality, unconditional reciprocal love to those who loved her, and an inner strength that completed her life. Her welcoming love was a hallmark to many people; she was instantaneously hospitable and thoughtful, and made you feel safe, loved, and welcomed. The illness she endured for years was always second to her ability to be a great listener. Her house was a haven for many kids she watched over, and she was a second mother to her children’s friends. They cherished those moments as they matured and reflected on memories of those days. As a mom, she was her kids’ hero, and they strived to be the person she was. She was, in fact, their everything. She supported her girls as they grew and began their own families, and her phone calls to them varied from checking in, or just sharing a moment. When her grandchildren came along, hugs and kisses came with them. She knew each of them as only a grandma can and catered to their needs individually. They adored and loved her like no other, and they affectionally called her either “Pudge” or “Coco”. They will forever carry her memory in their hearts, …a powerful love. As a couple, Franny and Mike were Netflix binge watchers and their meeting place was the “Top of the Morning Cafe” where they held court for hours. It was a cheerful place “where everyone knows your name”. They also loved dining out and visiting the casino with their “birthday club” group of friends that have been together for ever. They had a standing date night with Sandy and George, such precious times with great laughs. Franny maintained friends from grammar and high school which spoke volumes about her loyalty. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, and entertaining, which was a great outlet for her. Holidays evoked images of such great times together, and of course, food was the center of the events. Franny knew how to do the traditional overlook “The Malocchio” on Christmas Eve as a learning event for the younger generations. She devoted endless hours on the phone with compassion and counsel for a friend or loved one, no matter what the hour and in many hearts there are endless stories of laughter or lament, to be held close forever. A woman of faith, Franny prayed the Rosary daily for those she loved. She cherished angels, to protect and watch over her, and to keep close those who had gone before her. She was a faithful parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Francine is survived by her husband Mike, the love of her life; her daughters and sons-in-law, Kelli and Keith Lasher, and Danielle and Michael Fogel, and the memory of her daughter, Michelle R. Mikalajunas who passed on October 8, 1985; her grandchildren who grandma loved “to the moon and back”, Ryan M., and Riley A. Lasher; and Anthony M., and Mason H. Fogel. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Michael Leone and Angie Maclin, Michelle Leone, all whom she loved as her own; numerous cousins, especially Michael Curtis, MD who held a special place in her heart; in-laws, including Tommy and Angela Mikalajunas and their children Tommy Jr. and Joelle Mikalajunas, and Renee and Anthony Scalzo. She also leaves the wonderful memories of friends too numerous to mention, …but you all know who you are because you knew Pudge! She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and George Barlesi, Eleanor and Danny Bondi, and Elsie and Mickey Leone. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center CT ICU for the amazing care and compassion rendered while attending to Francine.. A special thank you to Nurse Mary and Leo Sullivan, M.D. for their support during her final moments; and Atul Butala, M.D., and Christopher Max, M.D. for their more than 25 years of care and medical guidance. The family will honor and commemorate Francine’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Francine’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Saturday morning, February 13, 2021 at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Social distancing and registration for contact tracing will be implemented. Also, a mask covering your nose and mouth will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Francine’s name may be directed to Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church online at https://mmwsk.org. Envelopes will be available at the service. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Francine’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.