Columbia Ann Dolores Papa

Columbia Ann Dolores Papa, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. Born in Utica on March 21, 1916, Columbia was the daughter of the late Angelo and Antonia “Antoinette” (Peschillo) Papa. She was raised and educated locally. During her younger days, Columbia was employed by the Oneita Knitting Mills, and Mele Manufacturing Co. For many years, she worked at the Boston Store at the same time she furthered her studies at the Utica School of Commerce. She lastly was employed with Nichols Department Store, the position from which she retired. A lifelong resident of East Utica, her family was the center and focus of her life. She was a woman blessed with a great sense of humor, a lovely laugh, and a classic beauty and grace. Later in life she found great fulfillment in caring for her mother and brother and acting in a parental role for her nieces and nephews. She held true to her family traditions and values and was fond of all her extended family, fostering warm relationships with her cousins. She loved music and was a natural at dance since rhythm was second nature to her. She was an avid reader and the daily newspaper was a necessity. A sweet remembrance of Columbia remains with those who were lucky enough to have tasted her chocolate cake. She was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Columbia is survived by her sister-in-law, Carolyn Papa of Whitesboro, her nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her Aunt Col, Gary and Donna DeStefanis, Brian and Sally DeStefanis, all of Deerfield, Dennis and Gloria DeStefanis of Clinton, Denise DeStefanis of Utica, Cindy and Steve Countryman, Ralph, Jr. and Deb DeStefanis, all of Marcy, Joe Papa of GA, Karen and Jim Riuta of VA, and Jennifer and Mike Collea of Westmoreland; her great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and many loved cousins. She was predeceased by her infant brother, Joseph Papa; her brothers, Dominick Papa, and Joseph Papa; and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary J. and Ralph J. DeStefanis. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Presbyterian Home, especially the Willow Wing, for the care and compassion given to Columbia. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Columbia’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Columbia Ann Dolores Papa

March 21, 1916 - July 14, 2009