Mrs. Elvira "Dee" (Migliaccio) Ellis

Mrs. Elvira “Dee” (Migliaccio) Ellis, age 91, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 7, 1924, Elvira was the daughter of the late Pietro “Pete” and Carolina (Torchia) Migliaccio. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1942. Shortly after, she married Joseph Graham Geraci (brother of the late Bushy Graham) with whom she shared 24 years prior to his passing in 1966; to their marriage came the blessing of their daughter Arlene. Dee and Arlene shared a sisterhood and were best friends. It wasn’t uncommon for them not to see eye to eye and immediately mend their ways. Elvira entered a second union in 1967 when she wed Charles H. “Charlie” Ellis. They found joy in their everyday lives and love that lasted through 48 years. Elvira was a good wife for Charlie and tended to his needs. Although they had different personalities they were examples of the old saying that opposites attract. Elvira had an extensive employment career and an intensive work ethic. In 1952 she accepted a position with the General Electric Company at the Utica and Syracuse locations where she worked as the secretary to the vice presidents, retiring in 1982. She then found a fulfilling secretarial position for the Working Solutions program at MVCC where she looked forward to setting up the annual Job Fairs. At the age of 84, Dee retired to her home and hobbies. Nurturing was Dee’s greatest virtue which made her the admired matriarch of her family and beloved by many generations. She was blessed with a unique way of uplifting your mood and easing your mind. Adventurous and energetic, she did things independently. She was small in stature but highly effective. Her strength of character and straightforward attitude was balanced by her charisma and natural beauty. Her personality and smile were contagious. She presented herself with style and grace and when she met a kindred heart, she made a lasting, memorable friendship. Her wisdom, honesty, and generosity was sincere. A wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Grandma Dee was a source of strength and support that exceeded their expectations. Her home was her castle and she cared for it well; her family and friends were always welcome. Her summer home at Wellesley Island was a peaceful place where she spent her leisure time puttering around. Elvira was grateful to have lived a long life with a loving family followed by generations of children who grew to be respectful young adults. She loved flowers and gardening, often affirming the fact that “her hands in the earth was the greatest feeling”. Her pastimes included shopping and antiquing with attention to estate sales. She had a flair for dancing and appreciated listening to the songs of years ago. Elvira is survived by her husband, Charlie; her daughter and son-in-law, Arlene and John Capraro of Marcy; her step children, Lorraine Custar, and Bill and Jane Ellis; her grandchildren, Dana and William Dundon, and John Capraro; and her great-grandchildren, William and Mariessa Dundon, Patrick Dundon and Stephanie McVaugh; Kaleigh Maida, Giana Maida, and Alexandria Capraro; her great-great-grandchildren, Dylynn Casanova, and the anticipation of Billy and Mariessa’s second child; and her step-grandchildren, Eric D. and Giesella Hoffman, and Matthew and Sarah Ellis; her step great-great grandchildren Tyler and Hunter Hoffman; Kayla and Hazel Ellis. She will be remembered by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard P. and Pamela Migliaccio, and William and Elaine Migliaccio, all of NM. She will live on in the hearts of her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, her dear friend, Anne Halliday; and her family canine “Carter”. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Rosemary Migliaccio, and Peter “Jiggs” and Barbara Migliaccio; her step grandson, Jason Ellis; and step son-in-law, Jack Custar. The family offers sincere thanks to Dr. Mary Cunningham, Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, and the staff of the Regional Cancer Center for their outstanding care and compassion; the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Cheryl for their understanding ways; and her longtime caregiver, Dr. Kevin McCormick and nurse Cathy Knapp for the medical expertise provided to Elvira over the years. Dee was blessed with the dedication of her family; each of them saw to her needs in their own special way. They will forever treasure the cherished time they spent with Dee. The family will honor and commemorate Dee’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children; envelopes will be available at the service or online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate. She will be placed to rest in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. “Dee, you were the wind beneath our wings…”

Mrs. Elvira "Dee" (Migliaccio) Ellis

April 7, 1924 - September 23, 2015