Florence M. (Lalonde) Cardillo

Mrs. Florence M. (Lalonde) Cardillo, age 84, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Ogdensburg, NY on June 16, 1924, Florence was the daughter of the late Arthur Fred and Bertha M. (Ouilette) Lalonde. She was raised and educated in Ogdensburg and was a graduate of OFA. It was when she worked at Griffiss Air Force Base as a secretary that she met the love of her life, Pasquale “Pat” Cardillo. The couple married on January 12, 1946 and shared 42 years prior to Pat’s passing on May 21, 1988; their union was blessed with two wonderful sons and a life of happiness. A woman who could be of service to others, Florence had been employed by the former Doyle Knower Company for 17 years. She also was a certified Teacher Assistant for the Utica City School District, a position she truly enjoyed for over 11 years, until her retirement. A woman of heartfelt blessings, she held so much love for the tradition of family and focused so much of her kind soul to her sons, their families, relatives and friends. She loved to cook and did so "daily" for her sons at Lansing Body Works, and as the years went by, the meals got better. She enjoyed reading about politics, and history, was passionate at solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. As a woman of deep faith, Florence was proud to have been a longtime and devoted parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She held a sacred adoration for the Blessed Mother and honored the month of May which was devoted to her. Florence is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Michael P. and Kathleen A. Cardillo of Utica, and Arthur J. Cardillo and fiancée Melody Volk of Frankfort; and her adored grandchildren, Theresa M. Cardillo of Jacksonville, FL, Richard A. Cardillo of N.Y. City and his mother, Mariruth Azzarito, and Michelle K. Cardillo of Buffalo. Survivors also include her nieces and nephews, Susan Hutchinson, Sherri Sams, Jeffrey Lalonde, Judy and Robert Condella, Glen and Cynthia Mear; Joseph Cardillo and Tim Wissenbach, Victor and Donna Cardillo, Rochelle Cardillo and Mary Allyson, Gina Cardillo, Marissa Cardillo and fiancé Matthew Brooks; and Janice and Michael Smothers; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her in-laws, Mary E. Utter, Carmellina and Ernest Mear, Victor J. Cardillo and Joyce Howell, and Beverly Cardillo. She also had fond memories of her dear friend, Mary Simonelli. She was predeceased by her brother, Arthur Lalonde in May of 1961 at age 33; her brother-in-law, Rufino J. “Fino” Cardillo; and her niece, Gayle Wilcox. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Oleg Dulkin, Hospitalist, for his compassionate care; the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the ICU, Special Care Unit, and the 3rd floor; as well as the 2nd floor staff of the Rehabilitation Unit at the Pines of Utica. In keeping with Florence’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Florence’s honor to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the American Diabetes Association, Utica Chapter, or the American Heart Association, Utica Chapter; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Florence M. (Lalonde) Cardillo

June 16, 1924 - May 17, 2009