Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Caniato) Giruzzi

Mrs. Elizabeth A. “Betty” (Caniato) Giruzzi, age 71, joined her loved ones who have gone before her when she passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her devoted family by her side. Born in Utica on June 5, 1943, Elizabeth was the daughter of Elmer G. and the late Anna (Trapasso) Caniato. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1959. On October 7, 1961 she married Francis “Frank” “Beef” Giruzzi, Jr. with whom she shared 52 years filled with memorable times. Betty loved Fran unconditionally and he thought of their wedded years as beautiful. During her youth, Betty worked as a secretary for her dad who operated Elmer’s Express trucking business. Subsequently, her expertise in the area of culinary arts yielded her a position with the Utica City School District as a Supervisor at the Central Kitchen. Lastly, she was employed by the former Faxton Hospital as Manager of the Coffee Shop where she was responsible for the production and presentation of the menu. In the early 1990’s Betty was afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. She accepted the illness with grace and found the fortitude to help others in amazing ways. At ease at the computer keyboard, Betty was able to communicate with and advocate for many MS patients both locally and nationwide. The Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) sought her out and invited her to operate the phone lines used to offer advice and encouragement to others who were challenged by the same condition. She also recruited members for a support group that met at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the goal of educating others in the innovative methods of managing their medical condition and living life to the fullest. The MS Group in Syracuse was so supportive of Betty’s needs and remained involved in her life to the very end. Betty was a genuinely selfless woman and peacemaker, a person teeming with useful and highly regarded wisdom. She intuitively knew which battles to challenge and which to accept. She appreciated being remembered and was always thoughtful of others. She was the hub for family concerns and the heart of reason and sensitivity. A passionate cook, Betty prepared plentiful portions of her favorite dishes to share with family and friends. Kindness and goodness were the woven threads of her life that made “Miss Betty” one to honor and gently remember. As a mother, she was her children’s best friend, and with their best interests at heart, she nurtured and encouraged them to be confident in knowing that they could accomplish anything they envisioned. She was the most masterful of moms and her children honored her to her last breath. The blessing of her children and grandchildren was her greatest gift, and her ability to live her life undeterred by her affliction was her greatest triumph. In embracing a Christian way of life, Betty prayed to the Blessed Mother and welcomed clergy into her heart and home. Betty is survived by her beloved Fran; her father, Elmer; her beloved daughter and best friend, Carla Giruzzi Keena and Luis Montero; her sons and daughter-in-law, Frank R. Giruzzi III, and Patrick and Wendy Giruzzi. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son-in-law, James Earl Keena, who passed away on May 3, 2000. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Elizabeth Zakrison; Patrick James Jr., and Parker Vincent Giruzzi; her aunts and uncles, Jen and Fred Arcuri, and Dick and Gloria Dote; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Joseph and Mary Giruzzi, James and Denise Giruzzi, Mark and Judy Giruzzi, Cynthia and James Cahill, Maryrose and Darryl Green, and Adele Reilly; and her godson, Jimmy Giruzzi. She was also favored with many friendships throughout her life, especially the love and respect of her ‘second daughter’, Miss “Carmie” Eannace. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Frank and Mary (Dote) Giruzzi. The family appreciated the expertise and empathy of the many physicians who tended to Betty during her illness, with special mention of Doctors Leo Sullivan, Paul Davidson, and Mario Carrillo; and the compassionate nurses and aids of the St. Luke’s Home/Clark West Unit who extended their loving and attentive nature unceasingly to Betty during her stay. The heartfelt concern shared by the Special Care Unit staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center was graciously felt by Betty and her family during her final days under their care. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00–7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Betty’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family

Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Caniato) Giruzzi

June 5, 1943 - August 17, 2014