Grace (Basmajian) Caldwell

Mrs. Grace (Basmajian) Caldwell, age 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family at her side. Born in Marcy, NY on May 12, 1931, Grace was the daughter of the late Charles and Almas (Avakian) Basmajian. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Whitesboro High School/Class of 1949. She continued her education at the Utica School of Commerce, a proud accomplishment for her and her family. Upon completion of her course work and with a patriotic commitment to serve her country during the Korean War Era, Grace enlisted in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) branch of the United States Army. She completed her basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina with the knowledge and expectation that WAC recruits must be physically able to take on any job assigned to them. As a proud veteran, waves of memories flooded her mind from this time period and remained with her all her life. At one time, Grace was married to Ray Caldwell of Montgomery, Alabama whom she had met when they were both in military service. They were blessed with three children and through the many years of serving their country, they lived in several places. Grace’s working career included active employment with many local businesses including the General Electric Company on Broad Street where she worked as an assembler, Devine Brothers, Lane Hydraulics, Hamilton Digital, the Utica Public Library, and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company from which she retired. The years that followed allowed Grace to be active in the lives of her grandchildren who she loved so deeply and so passionately. She encouraged them to build good character and trust in themselves. She instilled in them the importance of education, traditional values, and honesty. During this period of bonding with her grandchildren, she realized that she had planted these very seeds in her children and she was aware that her nurturing had taken root. She was so proud and sentimental about the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Grace was an exceptionally bright woman and a seeker of knowledge. A serious reader, she developed an extensive library over the years which allowed her to develop a vast vocabulary and command of the language in conversation. But she also complemented her cultural pursuits with a little leisure time which she pursued with intensity --- watching her soap operas! Holidays were important to her and Dessert Pie was her specialty. Always a physical fitness enthusiast, she practiced meditation and adhered to a healthy life style filled with balanced meals. Throughout her life, she was admired for her style and elegance. She was always ‘dressed to the nines’, a true fashionista. She enjoyed listening to the music of the Big Band Era, especially Frank Sinatra. She always believed that his song “My Way” was a reflection of her life. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, and tending to the flowers she planted around her house. She also supported the arts and the Stanley Theater. She lovingly offered her time and understanding to others, and she cherished the relationships she formed over the years. She tried to be the best human being she could be. She was a great confidant to many who will hold her memory in their hearts. Grace was baptized into the Armenian Orthodox faith and she practiced her religion at the Maynard Methodist Church where she attended services in her earlier years. In the broad spectrum of her life, Grace was cognizant of all religious creeds and held a respect for diverse spiritual beliefs. She asked her children to accept all aspects of humanity and to be non-judgmental and see the good in all people. She wanted them to possess a positive outlook on life and to see the glass ‘always half full, not half empty’. Her wisdom was spot-on, and in retrospect, her children learned so much from her about the values of life and the importance of living each day with a happy heart, an open mind, and a helping hand. Grace is survived by her children, Cheryl Lynne Caldwell Kain and her husband Barrett of New Orleans, LA, Derrick K. “Rick” and Arlene M. Caldwell of Pittsburgh, PA; Honorable Randal B. “Randy” Caldwell, Oneida County Family Court Judge and his companion Rose Grimaldi who was so special to Grace; they were the best of friends. She will be remembered by her grandchildren, Caroline Grace Kain, and Ian Caldwell Kain; Courtney Elizabeth Caldwell; Alexandra Ann Caldwell, and Brendan Randal Caldwell. Always close to her heart were the memories of her twin grandsons, Brandon Scott Verminski, Sr. who passed away on September 21, 2003, and Jeffrey A. Verminski who passed away on November 16, 2003. Her legacy will live on in her great-grandchildren, Brandon Scott Verminski, Jr., and Aria Grace-May Bonilla; her brother, Robert Basmajian of Marcy; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and the blessings of many special friendships throughout her wonderful life. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sister-in-law, Arthur and Josephine Basmajian, and John Basmajian; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and Walter Hotaling, Alice and Joseph Taylor; as well as 4 infant siblings. Grace’s family is forever thankful to the Maynard Fire Department, Kunkel Ambulance, and the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the staff of the ER and ICU; all of these professionals were so kind and compassionate at their time of need. Special acknowledgement is extended to Dr. Bruce Elwell who shared a personal relationship with Grace laced with honesty and regard. The family commemorated her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Grace’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will be offered on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society in memory of her late Maltese, “Jolie” who she adored, or to the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department; envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Grace (Basmajian) Caldwell

May 12, 1931 - March 3, 2015