Darlene E. (Maneen) LaPorte

Mrs. Darlene E. (Maneen) LaPorte, age 58, of North Utica, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2006, at the home of her daughter in Katy, TX. Her devoted family and loved ones were by her side at the time of her passing. Darlene battled breast cancer and the strength and courage she displayed during her treatment made her family and friends extremely proud. Born in Utica on October 10, 1947, Darlene was the daughter of Salvatore "Sam" and Jane (Sciortino) Maneen. Raised and educated locally, she was a 1965 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On September 20, 1969 she married Frank A. LaPorte. Throughout their union of 36 years, Darlene and Frank loved and shared life with a deep commitment for one another. Mrs. LaPorte had been a longtime office administrator for State Farm Insurance where she also held her licenses for life, property and casualty. She also spent part of her career with the Utica City School District. Her most recent employment was running the modernization office at the Municipal Housing Authority of Utica. Her family was her proudest accomplishment. When her life was blessed with her grandchildren, it was a wonderful opportunity to renew the most rewarding portion of her being. She loved to shop and, being a woman of great generosity, she constantly demonstrated her thoughtfulness by shopping for items and gifts to share with family and friends. In fact, Darlene was known and loved for her ability to choose the "perfect" card and gift for each person, one of the reasons why a cherished dream of hers was to own her own specialty card shop where she could display and sell memorable and cherished treasures. Among all the happy times she spent with her loved ones, their annual Christmas celebrations were her favorite. All of Darlene's careful preparations were a source of great happiness to her. As she lovingly went about the tasks of cooking, shopping, and decorating, she always kept her main focus on the true meaning of the holidays. She will always be remembered for her favorite delectables, especially her apple pie and her sausage and spinach rolls. A communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Darlene possessed a sincere love for the Lord. During her illness, she found great strength, focus, and connection in prayer and spiritual devotion. She lived by a personal philosophy that she also instilled into her children: "Reach a little bit higher, go a little bit further, and you will go first class." From her own belief and value system, she also taught them: "Be independent before you become dependent." Mrs. LaPorte is survived by her husband, Frank; a daughter and son-in-law, Marlo Heath, Esq. and Cleo Heath of Katy TX; a son, Frank A. LaPorte, also of Katy TX; and her adorable and cherished grandchildren, Stephanie Elizabeth Heath and Brooke Rose Heath. She is also survived by her beloved parents, Sam and Jane Maneen of Utica; a sister, Dr. Lorraine Maneen and fiance, Dr. Anthony Gondesen of Houston TX; and a brother, Dr. Salvatore Jr. and Mary (Tehan) Maneen, also of Houston. In addition, her survivors also include her nieces and nephews, Salvatore III, Dominic, and Cassandra "Cassie" Maneen, and Michael LaPorte; her great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her brother-in-law, Anthony J. LaPorte of Utica. Also surviving is Darlene's best friend and loyal confidante, Lucille (Pimpinella) and her husband, Jerry Camesano, and their children who Darlene considered her nieces and nephews, Dr. Terri Camesano and her husband, Dr. R. Nagarajan, and their children, twins Sophie and Natasha, and Alessandra; Alison Camesano and her husband, Eric Sczerbaniewicz; and Jerry Camesano. Darlene was blessed with so many friends, too numerous to mention, but never to be forgotten for their concern and regard. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Frank and Mary LaPorte. The family extends its sincere thanks to the Utica and Houston-Katy community for the spiritual support, the prayers, the acts of kindness, and the consideration and thoughtfulness they offered to Darlene and her family throughout this difficult time. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 5-9 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Darlene's funeral will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 from the funeral home and at 2:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Darlene E. (Maneen) LaPorte

October 9, 1947 - February 4, 2006