Carmen M. (Grenier) Mrzlikar

Mrs. Carmen M. (Grenier) Mrzlikar, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home with the love and support of her family. Born in Ottawa, Canada on April 7, 1927, Carmen was the daughter of the late John and Blanche (Cote) Grenier. She was raised and educated in Canada prior to coming to the United States. On July 9, 1949 she married Edward R. Mrzlikar with whom she shared an unconditional love for 62 years. Her children rejoice in their mother’s reunion with their father who passed away on October 5, 2011. Carmen carried kindness in her heart, cheerfulness in her mind, and conversation on her lips. Her smiling face could light up a room, and she was always ready and able to engage in a luncheon or shopping trip at a moment’s notice. She loved to spend time with her daughters and grandchildren, and was thankful for the blessings of her great-grandchildren. But above all else, it was Carmen’s non-judgmental character and conviction to Catholic faith that were the foundations of her life. She prayed daily, a ritual in which she remembered others in her petitions to the Lord. She also held a strong devotion to St. Anthony and her participation in the thirteen Tuesdays of Novenas in his honor. Carmen was blessed with the devotion of her daughters and their spouses: Sandra and Peter Cataldo of Rome, Bernice Mrzlikar of Utica and Frank Kelsey, Carol Dodge of Fulton, and Kathryn Blanche and Glenn Palmer of Clayton, GA; and her late son-in-law, Brian Dodge, and preceded her in death. She also leaves a legacy of love to her cherished grandchildren, Chena and Steve Campanaro, Peter A. and Victoria Cataldo; Breann Dodge; Dustyn, and Chelsea Palmer; and her great-grandchildren, Severino “Seve” Campanaro, Torino “T” Campanaro; and Celia Cataldo. Her extended family includes her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Dolores Mrzlikar of Utica, and friends Lilly and Rick Hughes who shared many years of friendship with Carmen and her family. She was predeceased by her brothers, Ray Grenier, and Marcel Grenier; her sisters, Anna Grenier, Yvette Grenier, and Suzanne and Renee LaRoque; and her in-laws, William and Kate Mrzlikar, Daniel Mrzlikar, James Paul Pellerin, and Kate and Russ Tymchyn. She treasured the fond memories of her friends Theresa, and Rose, who preceded her as well. The family is grateful to the remarkable staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home and the Carmelite Sisters for the gentle and caring ways they imparted to Carmen during her stay. The family will honor and commemorate Carmen’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home Chapel where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Abe Esper. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of floral offerings may make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, the St. Joseph Nursing Home, The American Heart Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Carmen M. (Grenier) Mrzlikar

April 7, 1927 - October 12, 2013