Catherine "Kay" (Lewis) Tomaselli

Mrs. Catherine “Kay” (Lewis) Tomaselli, age 84, of New Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on February 9, 1924, Kay was the daughter of the late Charles A. and Anna (Amin) Lewis. She was raised in Utica and attended local schools. On December 15, 1942 she was married to Salvatore “Sam” Tomaselli with whom she shared 66 years; the blessing of their children was their bond to one another. Kay’s working career included her employment with the Bendix Corporation, Partlow Corporation, and the Utica Cutlery. At the age of 50, she received her realtor’s license and worked for Century 21, Reilly Agency until her retirement. A truly embracing woman, she loved to travel and her journeys with family and friends spanned the world. At home, she loved to garden, decorate during holidays, and try her luck at games of chance. But Kay’s faith was the inspirational force in her life. She offered a recitation of the rosary as a source of daily renewal and was a devout parishioner of St. Thomas Church. She enriched her Christian walk through a Cursillo ministry which included her Wednesday prayer group. These teachings led her to volunteer with the prison ministry sharing empathy with those in need. Few among us are able to grasp the reality of our temporary here-and-now and the eternal which lies beyond us. To understand and share this truth is beyond the power of all but a very few. Kay Tomaselli was one of these few. Kay’s life taught those around her the immeasurable joy of being and sharing, loving and laughing, living and knowing and feeling the preciousness of time together. Kay was a woman of action. Kay loved life. Kay loved laughter. Kay loved kindness and compassion and generosity. Most of all, Kay loved family and friends. Little else of earthly importance need be said. This truth she taught in her living, in her laughing, in her loving, and in her leaving. Kay is survived by her husband, Sam; her son and daughter-in-law, Chuck Tomaselli and Nancy Robinson of Westmoreland; her daughters and sons-in-law, Toni T. and Steve Handzel of Pittsford, NY, and Judy Tomaselli-McPherson and her husband Bill McPherson of Kirkland; and her grandson, Jason P. and Kelly P. Tomaselli of Philadelphia, PA. Survivors also include her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Agnes Lewis of Westmoreland; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren and in-laws. Kay was also blessed with many wonderful friendships throughout her life with special mention of Angie Asselta, Mickey Scott, Phyllis Lange, Gladys Rogers, and Josie Sgroi-Cotellesse. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ida and John Kennedy, Louisa and Albert Roy, Susan and Jack Barkett, Helen E. and Anthony E. Joseph, Sr., Rose and Dominick Spinella, Mamie and Walter Mazurowski, Mary and John Spinella, and Marion “Lola” and John G. Gradel; and her brother, Joseph Lewis. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Kay’s honor to the “Country Pantry” affiliated with the Annunciation Church in Clark Mills; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kay’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Thomas Church in New Hartford, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Catherine "Kay" (Lewis) Tomaselli

February 9, 1924 - February 7, 2009