Mrs. Annette M. (Smith) Delahunt

Mrs. Annette M. (Smith) Delahunt, age 69, was reunited with those who have gone before her, when she passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 1, 2016 in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. Born in Utica on March 30, 1947, Annette was the daughter of Stella (Salerno) Smith and the late Alcide “John” Smith. Her life began on Mary Street in East Utica, but her family later moved to Whitesboro where she graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1964. She continued her education at MVCC majoring in Business Administration. On March 6, 1968, she married Richard C. Delahunt with whom she shared 48 years. They were great parents who taught their children to appreciate each other and be respectful. They supported them and loved them in all their endeavors. Dick passed away on April 22, 2016 just over 5 months ago. Annette began her working career with the General Electric Company at the Broad Street location. She later accepted a position in the Personnel Department of St. Elizabeth Hospital in the Payroll office where she worked for 17 years. She subsequently accepted a position as an Employment Manager at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center serving in that capacity for 18 years, retiring in 2003. Annette had the attributes of a high-quality work ethic. She was reliable, dedicated, productive, and showed great leadership in all her positions. She went above and beyond and left a legacy of fostering success in the people she hired by having faith in their progress and potential. It may also be noted that Annette’s attire was admired, and she never appeared in the same outfit twice! Annette had a clear understanding of who she was. She embraced strong standards and held her family to those beliefs. She was a mom who cared for each child’s particular personal needs. She taught them to be good housekeepers. She also raised her children to keep together, no matter what, and she instilled the same system of values in her grandchildren. Because she was a wonderful grandmother, her grandkids loved her and loved being in her house because it was a warm, happy place where they could have fun and be pampered by grandma. She made it to all their events and games, especially the Whitesboro Football games where year after year many would remember Annette and Dick placing a tablecloth over the bleachers at the 50 yard line, always with her unique way of cheering them on by yelling “Go big blue!” Sunday family dinners were memorable; she doted on the wishes of her kids and they “raved about her sauce” with such pride. Annette adored and shared an honored love with her mother, Stella. They did everything together and were known as the “Golden Girls”, especially when Aunt Toni and the late Aunt Tina played their part. Their camp at Sylvan Beach was a summer home, a place for cozy campfires and friendly card games on the front porch. Annette was nicknamed the ‘Lady of the Lake’. She made lifelong friends at the camp and many memories were made there. It was the best of times. Annette took pleasure in crocheting and trying her luck at games of chance. A communicant/Eucharistic minister of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Annette’s faith sustained her in times of trouble or worry. Her faith was renewed daily as she prayed the Rosary each morning at her kitchen table. As the matriarch, Annette gauged her success on the success of her children. They are the living legacy of her love, and the greatest measure of a job well done. She was an amazing lady and never took one day for granted. From being a devoted daughter, a concerned and loving wife, one of the greatest mothers, and an incredible grandma; this is why she loved life and would not have changed a thing. Annette is survived by her mother, Stella Smith; her children, who were so proud to be her kids and hope that they made her proud, and their loves, Richard C. Delahunt Jr., John and Rebecca Delahunt, Michael and Mandy Delahunt, Joelle and Marc C. Fasolo; and her daughter-in-law Jacqueline Delahunt; her grandchildren, Alexis, Johnny, Giavanna, and RJ; Hunter, Brock, and Peyton; and Emma, and Brady Fasolo. She held close to her heart the memory of her granddaughter, Addison Marie “Addie Girl” Fasolo, who she so loved in this life.She also leaves her adoring great-granddaughter, Austin Marie; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially the Garguilo family with whom she shared many memories and a lifetime of togetherness; her special cousin, Geri Nowicki, and lifelong friend Rosily Marchetelli, with whom she shared company and common interests; and her in-laws, Mary Posselt, and Thomas F. Jr. and Elizabeth Delahunt. In recent years she reunited with high school friends and enjoyed their monthly luncheons. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert, at the age of 17; her beloved grandparents Joseph and Erma Salerno; her uncle Joseph Salerno; her aunt, Tina Morrison; in-laws of her late husband, the Delahunt family; and her cousins, Tommy Garguilo, and Barrett “Bear” Garguilo. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Atul Butala who was very encouraging and hopeful in treating Annette; and Marissa Kalil/Hospitalist, for her charm and grace. Most important in her heart was the care, love, and support she received from her mom, each of her children and their spouses, and her cousins. This loss has been so unreal because the siblings are just beginning to mourn the loss of their dad “Dick”, and they are trying to keep in mind that “they are now together” and will never be separated again. Annette’s family will honor and commemorate her life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Annette’s Memorial Service which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Art Krawczenko. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Children’s Miracle Network online at https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/donate/; envelopes will be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Annette M. (Smith) Delahunt

March 30, 1947 - October 1, 2016