Betty (DiFranzo) Cimino

UTICA - Betty (DiFranzo) Cimino's earthly journey ended serenely when she passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the age of 98. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of her daughter Elizabeth and her family. Born in Utica on March 16, 1925, Betty was the daughter of the late Gaetano and Rose (Broccoli) DiFranzo. She attended T.R. Proctor High School. At one time, she had been married to Walf “Bunny” Cimino, and from this union came the blessing of three daughters. A shy, beautiful, and unpretentious woman, Betty was hired as the Front Desk Receptionist at the YMCA. She was the one who multitasked many responsibilities and maintained 15 years of employment with dedication and grace. Notably, she played an integral part in the first Boilermaker Road Race in 1978, registering 876 runners in that inaugural year. Betty was an amazing, strong, yet gentle woman. She was always at her best when she was in the company of children. She believed that loving her children was the greatest experience, a sentiment that only deepened with the birth of her grandchildren, she was “over the moon” with those who were the "sunshine for her soul" and "medicine for her mind." They love their Nanny! She was blessed with artistic talents which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was a talented seamstress, so creative, professional, and precise in her workmanship. Betty was a fabulous cook and a delicate baker, with specialties for all to enjoy. Despite her quiet personality, Betty possessed a great sense of humor. She faced the challenges of being a single mother with strength and grace, providing a wonderful home for her children. As a young mother, Betty experienced the profound loss of her daughter, Donna Marie, who was only a year or so old when she became an angel. Any mother that can understand that loss knows that it takes a lifetime to survive and it is an emotion you have to place deep in your heart to carry on. Betty was blessed with vocal talents which she displayed only in the privacy of her home. Her genres of music varied but she especially enjoyed show tunes in her early years. Her children were her greatest achievement, and she maintained a close bond with her sisters, brother, and in-laws. Once again, her grandchildren topped her list of joys. Betty also had a special place in her heart for the family dogs; she had a whisper about her that was so calming to them. A true believer in the Lord, Betty's faith was a constant source of strength, especially during difficult times. She was a member of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. Betty is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Lorraine and Frank Chudzinski, Elizabeth and Peter Caruso, and the sacred memory of her daughter, Donna Marie, who passed away in 1952. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Kimberly Balfe, Alex and Judy Lee; Kelley Caruso (her late fiancé Rob Acey), Peter Caruso, and Christopher Caruso; and great-grandchildren, Julia Ermacor, Corinne Ermacor, Isabella Lee, Sophia Lee, and Alexander Lee; Abigail Acey; and Gavin Caruso and his mother, Stephanie. She fondly remembered her sisters and brothers-in-law who preceded her, Vincent “Jim” and Alfea DiFranzo, Theresa M. and Vincent Mezzanini, Emily and Albert Mancuso, and Rosemarie and Joseph Argento. Betty also leaves to cherish her memory many nieces and nephews who respected and adored their aunt, including Celeste Valentine (her late husband Tony), Valerie and Thomas Garofalo, Gary and Mary Mancuso, Barbara and Ralph Leo, Guy and Susan DiFranzo, Vinny and Barbara DiFranzo; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Betty was surrounded and truly cared for by the wonderful nurses and staff of the 2nd floor at the Grand of Utica. They couldn't have done more for her wellbeing; this gave Betty and her family so much comfort and blessings. To the “angels,” Melissa, Tammy, and Jessica - thank you is not enough to say. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Betty's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Betty's honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Betty (DiFranzo) Cimino

March 16, 1925 - November 24, 2023