Frances (Gerace) Gabiger

Mrs. Frances (Gerace) Gabiger, age 78, of North Utica, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on June 17, 1928, Frances was the daughter of the late Fracesco and Maria (Leone) Gerace. She was raised and educated in Utica and attended T.R. Proctor High School. On August 16, 1952 she was joined in marriage with Joseph P. Gabiger. The couple truly loved one another and shared the blessings of family life with great devotion. Frances began her working life at Sturdy Toggs as a pattern designer. She then joined her husband as secretary/treasurer of Fashion Fit Shoe Co., a family owned and operated business that was located at 248 Genesee St. Her next career endeavor was as group leader at Con-Med Medical Supply Co, the position from which she retired. Frances was a nurturing woman who catered to her husband and children, but also oversaw and extended herself to her siblings and nieces and nephews. She was angelic in her approach to life’s situations, and she had a way of solving concerns like no one else could. She truly was a benevolent and unselfish woman who knew the gifts God had given to her. She lovingly treasured the years she spent with her grandchildren. Family gatherings and holidays, especially New Year’s Eve celebrations, were special to her. She took pleasure in preparing for these festivities and embraced the motto that there was ‘always room for others to join’. For leisure and entertainment she enjoyed mystery movies and television series, classic music, and figure skating performances. She was a faithful member of the Mt. Carmel Society, and a former member of the loyal order of the Moose. She had a strong devotion to her Lord and the Blessed Mother and lived her life in the example of their teachings. She was a devoted member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Frances is survived by her loving husband, Joe; her daughter and son-in-law, Rose Ann and John Soukey of Fulton, NY; her sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph J. and Linda Gabiger of Westmoreland, and David C. and Darlene Gabiger of Utica; and her grandchildren, Joseph A. Gabiger and Victor Gabiger, and Samantha and Kaley Gabiger and Barry Haney. Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-law, Cosmo and Ellen Gerace of FL; her sisters-in-law, Rosemary Gerace of FL, Mary Gerace of Utica, and Lucille Gerace of North Utica; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins with special mention of Joanna Gabiger; in-laws Harry and Carol Gabiger; and her special and longtime friends, Betty Angerosa and Mamie Mallozzi. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Carmella and Frank Commesso, and Rose and Vincent Femia; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Victor J. and Angeline Gerace, James and Frances Gerace, Joseph Gerace, Salvatore Gerace, Dominick and “Mickey” Gerace, and Patsy and Sarah Gerace. Sincere gratitude is extended to the physicians and caregivers at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center and the St. Elizabeth Medical Center whose dedication, compassion, and truly commendable care were of great comfort. A thank you is also offered to Father John Rose and Father Joe Salerno for their spiritual solace and kindness. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2-5 at the Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 724-6714. Frances’ funeral will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:00 from Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors and at 2:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Frances (Gerace) Gabiger

June 17, 1928 - February 2, 2007