Phyllis K. (DeCicco) Palama-Smith

October 24, 1935 - October 12, 2021

UTICA - Phyllis K. (DeCicco) Palama-Smith, age 85, peacefully went home to the Lord when she passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 with her loved ones by her side. Born in Syracuse on October 24, 1935, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Carmen and Angeline (Guerriero) DeCicco. She was proud to have been the first in her family to earn a high school diploma, a milestone she achieved as a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1954. At one time, she had been married to Samuel Palama, and to that union came the blessing of three children. Truly delighted by the opportunity to care for others, Phyllis originally worked as a devoted Aide at St. Luke’s Hospital. She paused her career to relocate to Hawaii where her youngest was born and later returned to Utica as a single mom with three children, way before it was the norm. She raised her children to school age before returning to the workforce at the Utica Psychiatric Center in the Dietary Unit where she served the patients with love, respect and with a compassionate caregiver’s heart. Later on, she retired to spend time with her loved ones. Phyllis was the matriarch and focal point of the entire family unit. She prepared specialty dishes when her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered at her home, and all were welcomed. She greeted everyone with hospitality and a heart-felt, “Honey, how are you doing?” Her capacity to love was without bounds and her benevolent ways earned her the beloved title of Mom, and Nonna to so many. A colorful conversationalist, her stories intrigued everyone! She enjoyed reading many genres of books, solving word jumbles, and assembling jigsaw puzzles, particularly intricate ones. Her most enjoyment came from playing games with her family. She was a loyal fan, arm chair referee, and umpire of New York sports and Notre Dame University Football. A progressive woman, she was blessed with inherent intelligence and an ever-expanding circle of experience. Phyllis was devoted to her grandchildren and attended every event and celebrated every occasion with them. She could relate to them and was so interested in what was going on in their lives, …she always knew she was loved and trusted. She had a sincerity and softness and gave great hugs and meaningful greetings. She survived life’s difficulties with dignity and grace, and never let her children know of her trials. She succeeded in all her strategies. The past few years were spent under hospital care and even there, Phyllis garnered the graceful affection of fellow caregivers who were a great part of her daily life. She was generous with gifts and was a genuine friend to many who always welcomed her when she needed them. A devout Catholic, Phyllis was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She prayed her Rosary daily, recited Prayer Cards, and attended televised Sunday Mass as time changed. Christmas Eve High Mass was magical for her, and she never wavered in her faith or love for the Lord. She regretted leaving her loved ones, especially the generations of children who gave her life memories and new meaning. Phyllis is survived by her children and spouses, Margaret and Ed Sherman, Harry and Dora Palama, and Michele and Gary Robertson; grandchildren, Christopher and April Sherman, and Stephanie and Jason Hogan, Harry III and Lisa Palama, David Palama and Sarah Ferguson, Tara and Nate McCormick, and Phillip Palama, Sean Robertson and Kayla Parrish, and Kala Robertson; great-grandchildren, Christina, and Samantha, Abby, and Emily, Bruce, and Julie, Elend, and Jacob; her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and John Dousharm; and brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Johann DeCicco. She was preceded by her brothers, Carmen DeCicco, and Anthony DeCicco. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, Denise DeCicco, and Jeanette DeCicco; and her friends, including Marilyn Sardina, one of her dearest friends with whom she shared daily, multiple conversations. She was predeceased by her nephew, Michael DeCicco. The family extends a special thank-you to the nurses and staff at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare who were so kind, wonderful, and outstanding in caring for Phyllis; and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. whose guidance to the family gave such comfort and quality of life to Phyllis. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, October 21, 2021 from 4:00-5:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Phyllis’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday afternoon at 5:30 at the funeral home upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Mark Kaminski officiating.