Amy E. (Adams) Perna

Mrs. Amy E. (Adams) Perna, age 38, of New Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Utica on December 16, 1969, Amy is the daughter of Melvin D. and Marilyn (Surprenant) Adams. Raised and educated in Whitesboro, she was a 1988 graduate of Whitesboro High School. She continued her studies at M.V.C.C. with a concentration on recreational sports. During her high school and college years she was involved and enrolled in the sports of softball, hockey, and roller hockey. On October 13, 2001 Amy married Richard Perna II. A perfect fit for one another, they loved each other with consummate comfort and trust. They were uniquely independent, but one in their relationship. Amy held various positions of employment including the House of the Good Shepherd, the ARC of Oneida/Lewis Counties, and the Central New York Psychiatric Center where she held the position of SHTA for over 10 years. She had an innate ability and desire to help people to be their very best. She served as treasurer of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association and was involved in planning celebrations for the organization. A motorcycle enthusiast, last year she made her first road trip to New Hampshire with her ‘purple Kawasaki’. She joined her husband’s appreciation for NASCAR and held a special fondness for driver Elliott Sadler. She was also an eternal Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees fan. She was always in support of family occasions, holidays, and her nieces’ and nephews’ activities. Amy was blessed with an angelic heart and a gentle soul and was admired and loved by many. She lived a very Christian life confirmed through her concern and loyalty for others. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Amy is survived by her husband, Rich; her parents, Melvin and Marilyn “Mary Lou” Adams of Yorkville; her mother-in-law, Deborah Perna of Whitesboro; her brother, Doug Adams and his children, Michael, Mikayla, and Maria Adams and their mother, Kim Adams; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Theron “T.R.” and Gina Perna and their children, Grace and Andrew Perna; her aunt, Elaine Wickman, affectionately known to Amy as “Aunt Susie”; her uncles, Michael and Roxanne Surprenant, John and Marsha Surprenant; and her cousins. She also leaves numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins of the Perna family with special mention of Aunt Sheila Caminiti, and her godfather, Tony Tine. Amy shared in the sisterhood of her dear friends of the ‘DB Club’, Kelly, Shauna, Debbie, Stephanie, Wendy, and Carol, as well as many other co-workers and longtime friends. She will also be missed by her canine companion, Sabre. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Bernice and Katie Adams; her maternal grandparents, Jay and Marion Surprenant; and her uncle, Don Wickman who she adored. The family extends gratitude to the nurses and staff of the 1st floor West, especially Lori, and Benny Morosco, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their personal commitment and valiant efforts in caring for Amy. Visitation will be held on Friday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the American Heart Assn. enabling the family to establish a team in Amy’s memory. Amy's funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum.

Amy E. (Adams) Perna

December 16, 1969 - January 15, 2008