Elizabeth "Betty" (Maida) Alsheimer

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” (Maida) Alsheimer, age 87, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 in the comfort and dignity of her home with her loved ones by her side. Born in Utica on April 24, 1926, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Dominick and Anna (Boyce) Maida. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On November 8, 1947 she married John A. Alsheimer, Sr. to whom she was faithfully dedicated during their 49-year marriage. She held him dear to her heart, awaiting the time they would be reunited since his passing on September 22, 1996. In her younger years, Betty worked at the General Electric Company at several of their sites, lastly and for a majority of her career, at the Aerospace Division. A steadfast and reliable employee, she took pride and precision in performing her responsibilities on the job, retiring after 30 years of service. At home, Betty was a matriarch who honored her husband, her family, and her faith in God. She was independent by nature and graced with a quiet wisdom which she sincerely shared at the appropriate moments. As a mom, she wanted “her boys” to be self-sufficient, respectful, and live to their highest potential. She was also a loving grandma who shared her time-tested cooking and baking recipes with pleasure. She held to her heart the memory of days gone by when she enjoyed a movie at the Rialto Theater along with the gratuitous dishware that each ticketholder received, adding to one’s growing collection. She also joined in the St. Agnes Thursday night Bingo gatherings, often volunteering her time. Betty treasured the times the family gathered for Christmas and special occasions, sharing food, fun, and laughter. She added to the festivities her favorite home cooked cuisine which she prepared with patience and love. During her spare time, she played pinochle with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law, often pictured as vivid and animated gatherings of fierce, but friendly competition. She also liked lottery tickets which was her gift of choice. She enjoyed traveling to special destinations with John, and she admired the Boston Celtics basketball team, especially the legendary Larry Byrd. Above all else, Betty valued the ethics and respect she instilled in her family; they were reciprocated in her later years as her loved ones tended to her needs, a gift for which she was so proud and honored. Betty was a longtime communicant of her home parish, St. Agnes Church, and more recently became a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Betty is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, John A. Jr., and Nancy Alsheimer of Utica, George D. and Tricia Alsheimer of New Hartford, and Dominick and Cindy Alsheimer of Mexico, NY; her grandchildren, David Alsheimer, Ann Marie and John Kurdziolek; Michael Alsheimer, Anthony Alsheimer, Megan Alsheimer and fiancée Travis Owens; and Catherine Elizabeth Alsheimer; and her great-grandchildren, Allison, Stephen, and Michael Kurdziolek. Her extended family includes many nieces, especially acknowledging Lena and and her husband Kenny Wuest; nephews, including Frank Jr. and Marianne Madia; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially Palma and Nick Percola, Carol and Carmen Salvatore, Rose Gross, and Florie Rizzo all of whom shared wonderful times together. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Rose A. and Frank Madia, Sr.; and in-laws, especially her sister-in-law, Margaret Meyers with whom she was very close, and William Alsheimer; and her cousins who preceded her and remained in her heart. The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff at Dial-A-Ride who enabled her to get to appointments and remained faithful to her. The family also felt blessed for the friendship Betty shared with her pastor, Monsignor Francis Willenburg. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. in memory of the wonderful care given to Betty’s late husband; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Elizabeth’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Abe Esper. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Elizabeth "Betty" (Maida) Alsheimer

April 24, 1926 - January 18, 2014