Connie (Spetts) Mott

UTICA - Connie (Spetts) Mott, age 93, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in the comfort of her home. Despite having Alzheimer’s disease, she faced every day with courage, dignity, and the will to fight through any challenge. She had remarkable strength and resilience that carried her through until her final day on Earth. The beloved daughter of the late Louis and Maria (Malagese) Spiridigliozzi, Connie was born Cosmina Roseanne Spiridigliozzi on May 17, 1932, in Utica, New York. She was affectionately called 'Minnie' by those closest to her. While the family name became known as ‘Spetts’, they proudly carried the original surname of Spiridigliozzi. After attending Conkling Elementary School, Connie graduated from T.R. Proctor High School in 1950. Soon after, through mutual friends, she was introduced to the love of her life, Biaggio (Sam) A. Mott, Jr. They married on May 23, 1953, and were devoted to one another, having the blessing of being best friends throughout their 34-year marriage. Together, they welcomed four children into the world and often referred to each other as their ‘better half’ until his passing on September 1, 1987. In her youth, Connie assisted her sister and brother-in-law at Fine Arts Photography Studio, at the corner of South and King Street. She began as a photo developer and became the first colorist in the Utica area, hand coloring black-andwhite photographs with oil paint. When her children were of school age, she worked at the iconic O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria. She also worked in the office for her friends, the LaBella Family, at L.B. Security. She then assisted her husband and his business partner at Draperies, Etc., a local drapery shop. She managed the operations and ran the store, as ‘the boys’ were out on installations. She remained instrumental in maintaining her husband’s business operations as he eventually launched Mott’s Draperies. Beginning in the early 2000s and continuing until 2014, she worked as a Super Sampler at Price Chopper in North Utica, where she cooked and provided samples to all patrons, whom she considered her friends. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Connie always made her family her top priority. She kept her heart and her door open—always. Her home was a sanctuary marked by the aroma of freshly perked coffee and homemade Italian cookies, pies, and goodies sitting on the counter awaiting loved ones. Nothing brought Connie more joy than having her home serve as the family's cherished gathering place, as it remains to this day. She transformed every holiday into something magical for her family, welcoming extended family members, friends, and loved ones to gather around her table. She would warmly greet everyone with a "Hello, did you eat?" and lovingly insisted they each have a “bite” before they left. She ensured that all her children and grandchildren learned how to honor the traditions she created and carry on her many special recipes, including Italian cookies, apple pie, lasagna, cassata, and calzone, just to name a few. She was especially delighted to have the opportunity to assist her son at Salvatore's Italian Bakery, both in the office and in the preparation of holiday specialties, such as ribbon cookies and honey balls, as well as Easter cassata. Known for her gentle heart and sense of humor, she always encouraged her kids to see the positive in every situation and never to hold a grudge. She was a constant presence in her children’s lives, raising them to be open-minded and serving as the perfect role model for them. As a Nana, she gave the same unconditional love and care to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as she did to her children, always devoted and thoughtful in every way. Connie was a woman who deeply exemplified her Catholic faith. As a faithful parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, she regularly attended novenas and healing masses throughout the area. She purchased numerous green scapulars and Mother’s Manuals throughout the years for those in need. She had an ongoing prayer list at her bedside, from which she prayed faithfully each night. In addition to her prayers, she had many words of encouragement for others, often saying, “This too shall pass,” “Everything happens for a reason,” and “Que sera, sera.” Connie had a passion for helping people. Years before she needed a caregiver herself, she provided companion care to many families who needed it for their loved ones. She earned a reputation in the community for her deep warmth, optimism, and natural ability to connect with and care for their loved ones. Through the years, she donated and solicited contributions from her neighborhood for numerous national and local charities. Crafts were her specialty, bringing her immense joy. She loved to create custom photo albums as gifts and was a vendor at area craft shows. She took great pride in crafting with her children and grandchildren, helping them with their school projects. She had a beautiful singing voice and a lifelong love of music. Connie is survived by her adoring children and their families: Salvatore “Sammy” Mott and Alison Spina, Philomena “Nina” Orsomarso, Louis and AnnMarie Mott, and Maria Grimaldi. She shared a special relationship with her former daughter-in-law, Mary G. Mott. Connie equally loved her grandchildren: Michael Mott, Dominick and Enisa Mott, Giada Mott; Michael and Stephanie Orsomarso, Francesca Orsomarso; Louis and Angelica Mott; Nicholas Grimaldi, Madison Grimaldi and Jordan Dziekan; and great-grandchildren, Milo, Luca, and Aria Orsomarso; Thea Mott; and the great-granddaughter she was anticipating the arrival of in December. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Anthony Mazzei, and sister-in-law, Frances Borostyan (the late Steve Borostyan). She also leaves to cherish her memory many nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own children, and with whom she maintained a close relationship; as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and godchildren, including Joseph Caruso, Dick Vetere, and Janice D’Allessandro. Left to carry on the ‘Golden Girls Sisterhood’ is Bernice Caruso, her best friend since age 7, as Connie now joins her other golden girl, Theresa Vetere, who recently preceded her in death. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her siblings and their spouses: Anne (Guy) Citrinite, Salvatore (Mae) Spetts, Carmen (Nancy) Spetts, Rosalinda Mazzei, Tony (Anna) Spiridigliozzi, and Jennie (Angelo) Cappelli. She was also predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Philomena (Leone) Mott; and her husband’s siblings and spouses, Mary (Theodore) Chmielewski, Joseph (Rose) Mott, Frank Mott, and Rita Mott. Her daughter, Nina, and granddaughter, Francesca, were honored to be her primary caregivers. They had the privilege of sharing a home with her, as well as her final moments before she went to be with the Lord. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Debbie Narbone, LPN, who assisted in Connie’s care for nearly two years. She was an outstanding, experienced, and compassionate caregiver, sharing a loving relationship with Connie – even calling her “Mama.” The Mott family considers her to be one of their own. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Connie’s honor may be made to her family, allowing them to establish a foundation in Connie’s memory. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Connie’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery. This beautiful tribute to Connie’s life was lovingly written by her family.

Connie (Spetts) Mott

May 17, 1932 - August 9, 2025