Fannie Valente-Coakley

Mrs. Fannie (Testa) Valente-Coakley, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her family by her side. Born in Utica on October 14, 1919, Fannie was the daughter of the late Emilio and Mary Louise (Cirasulo) Testa. She was raised here and attended local schools. In 1950 she married Leon “Bubble” Coakley who passed away in 1963. At one time she was employed with Lollie Manufacturing, and later she worked for Hamilton Digital. Fannie possessed great strength of character. Throughout her life she met and overcame all obstacles with courageous perseverance. She was a good mother and teacher to her children. She was gifted with special talents in the areas of cooking and baking. At one time Fannie belonged to the local Sons of Italy Lodge and she regularly attended the Faxton-St. Luke’s Day Care Center where she enjoyed the company of the staff and her friends. She was an avid fan of the “Law and Order” TV series. Deeply devoted to her religion and her parish, she was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Fannie is survived by 3 daughters, Mary Lou Olivadoti of Bridgeport, Janet Weed, Diana Gerace of Utica with whom Fannie resided and her friend John Grotevant; 4 sons and daughters-in-law, Robert “Bob” Valente of Syracuse, Richard “Dick” and Sandra Valente of N. Utica, Donald and Sarah Valente of KY, and Charles and Janice Coakley of Tucson AZ; and her foster daughter, Crystal McCord. She also leaves numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by 4 siblings and their spouses, Lena and Edward Yero, Natalie and Anthony Esper, Felix A. and Frances Testa, and also Carmella Testa who passed away in infancy. The family offers sincere thanks to Dr. Samson Pachikara, Dr. Jane Samson, the staff of the 4th floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, and the personnel of the Masonic Care Community Rehab Center. Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. In recognition of the wonderful care+, please consider memorial offerings in Fannie’s name to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Day Care Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Fannie’s funeral services will be conducted on Thursday afternoon at 12:30 at the funeral home and at 1:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Fannie Valente-Coakley

October 14, 1919 - April 11, 2006