Mrs. Marian A. (Mahana) Karam

June 13, 1934 - April 19, 2022

UTICA - Mrs. Marian A. (Mahana) Karam, age 87, passed peacefully into heaven on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 with her loving and devoted daughter at her side. Marian was born in Utica on June 13, 1934 to the late Abdoo and Emily (Sfeir) Mahana. On June 13, 1959 Marian married Ernest T. “Nini” Karam in St. Louis Gonzaga Church, Utica. They truly loved and respected each other and placed the needs of their family above all else. Nini passed away on September 13, 2008; Marian always held him in the depth of her heart. Marian first worked at Mele Manufacturing, followed by employment at the iconic Boston Store. When their daughter, Darlene, was born she dedicated her life to being an amazing stay-at-home mother. She felt honored to lovingly care for her beloved parents, her brothers Eddie and Michael, as well as her cherished mother-in-law. Marian then worked for the Utica City School District as a Bus Monitor for special needs children. She enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with Nini. Marian treasured the memorable and relaxing times enjoyed with her daughter, Darlene, during their winters in Naples, Florida. Marian lived a life full of love for every person she met. She had a kind heart and was always a welcoming, warm, and gentle soul to all the lives she touched. To know her was to love her. When Marian started dialysis, she gracefully accepted the hard work that came with it and never complained. While there, she made many dear friends and close bonds that became so meaningful and rewarding to both her and Darlene. A lifelong member of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, Marian had a special devotion to St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Guild. Marian is survived by her beloved daughter, Darlene A. Karam, who tenderly cared for her mom. They shared many memorable times that brightened both of their lives, while making the best of light-hearted opportunities along their journey. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, George and Janet Mahana; her sister-in-law, Ava Karam; many cousins, nieces and nephews, especially great-niece Kylee Martin who knew the love of Marian and Nini in a very special way, always telling her “You will be our baby doll forever.” Marian was preceded by her brothers, Edward N. Mahana and Michael N. Mahana; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tady G. and Ouida (Duon) Karam; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wade J. Karam, Lillian and Anthony Sfeir, Sr. (who was also her uncle), Galeb J. and Eugenia Karam, and Fred J. and Agnes Karam. Darlene would like to thank Father Boutros El Hachem for his prayers and guidance; and her close friends for their unending support and affection, especially Marianne Juliano who adored Marian and doted on her needs and desires. She also acknowledges and appreciates the compassionate care provided by her mom’s health care professionals. Visitation will be held Saturday morning, April 30, 2022 from 9:15 to 10:15 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger Street, Utica. Marian’s funeral service will commence immediately following at the church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marian’s memory may be made to St. Louis Gonzaga Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https:// www.stjude.org. Envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.