Mrs. Agnes M. (Karaze) Rasi

Mrs. Agnes M. (Karaze) Rasi, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2016 in the comfort of her home at the young age of 94. On the morning of her passing, the sun radiated through the windows and illuminated her face as she began her journey to heaven. Born in Utica on February 24, 1922, Agnes was the daughter of the late Richard and Mary (Moshaty) Karaze. She was raised and educated locally. On May 26, 1947 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church she married George W. Rasi with whom she shared 35 years. They were wonderful parents who set an excellent example of values for their children to embrace as they matured. George passed away on August 10, 1983. Agnes learned responsibility early on, working with her parents in their corner grocery store located on Richardson Avenue in Utica. In 1955, Agnes and her husband George took over the store. They were known for their generosity of heart, fair business practice, and unlimited supply of penny candy, homemade hot sausage, and cold Utica Club beer. Although Agnes was a woman of small stature, she possessed a unique passion for life. She had a zest for living and was able to relate to people of all ages. To her friends, she was “Aggie” and to her “boyfriends”, she was “Sweetie”; and most importantly, to everyone else, she was “Nannie”. Blessed with a beautiful smile, she was a true social butterfly and one classy lady. She fashionably dressed to the nines and enjoyed having a good time. We cannot forget Nannie’s Syrian cooking and baking. Her energy was boundless. Agnes had a strong religious faith which guided her life. She held a special devotion to St. Anne and the Blessed Mother. She was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Louis Gonzaga Church. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club and the Christ Child Society. She was a former president and longtime member of the St. Elizabeth Guild providing more than 20,000 hours of service. In 1996 she received the Volunteer-of-the-Year Award and 2002 the prestigious St. Elizabeth Hospital Eleanor Nelson Award for her volunteer service in the gift shop. Nannie’s most precious possessions were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who extended the joy in her life. Their mutual bonds and closeness were incredible. She adored them and they were her life. So much respect and love was shared with her until the very last day. Agnes was the mother of four children. Her son, Rev. Dr. Richard Rasi, who passed away on November 13, 2002, was the first to welcome her to heaven. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, George A. and Patricia Rasi of PA; and her daughters and son-in-law, Glory Rasi, with whom she shared a home, and Anne Marie and Luke Lewis of Clinton; her grandchildren, Christina and Dr. Michael Graybill, and Cayla Rasi; Zachary, Joshua, and Aneesa Lewis; her great-grandchildren, Jacob, and Andrew Graybill; and her sister, Gloria Abounader. Also left to remember her are her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially the closeness she shared with Mary Cordonat; and in-laws, Blanche Karaz, and John Popeo. She was predeceased by her brother, Albert Karaz; and her in-laws. The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Oleg Dulkin whose compassionate and personal care was unmatched; Deacon Paul Salamy who was a friend in the truest sense of the word; Chorbishop John D. Faris whom she admired and loved for his special gifts; and family and friends who were of great support. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. The Prayer of Incense will be offered on at 6:30 at the funeral home in Agnes’ memory. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions may be considered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Agnes’ Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed which will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church offered by Chorbishop John D. Faris, Rev. Joseph Daiif, and Deacon Paul Salamy. All are welcome to attend Committal prayers followed by graveside interment at Calvary Cemetery where Agnes will be laid to rest alongside her husband and son. To Agnes, our Mom and Nannie, “God rest your soul and we hope you are tickling the feet of the angels and pulling their wings.” You loved sitting in the sun on earth, and now it’s time to enjoy the sunshine in heaven. We love you forever.

Mrs. Agnes M. (Karaze) Rasi

February 24, 1922 - March 6, 2016