Mrs. Ida M. (St. Mary) Jweid

Mrs. Ida M. (St. Mary) Jweid, age 82, peacefully passed into the hands of God on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Malone, NY on September 8, 1934, Ida was the daughter of the late Eli and Florence (Ryan) St. Mary. She was raised and educated in the Malone Catholic School System prior to moving to Utica. She met her future husband, Louie, at the “Mayfair” and on April 6, 1956 Ida and Louis Niem Jweid were married. Their children were their greatest blessing and caring for them and each other was their greatest goal. They made a good life together. Louie passed away on April 22, 1998. During her working years Ida was employed by the General Electric Company, and at Utica College and Notre Dame High School as a lunch lady for many years. As other members of this ‘family’, she worked diligently at Chanatry’s Market on French Road. She retired to her home to care for her family and celebrate the blessing of her grandson Richie whom she adored. Ida’s life was framed around her family and she fulfilled her matriarchal role with grace and a gentle, generous heart. She was an outstanding mother and worried unconditionally over her children. She loved to cook and bake, and holidays were a must, inspired by Ida’s unique style. Her children hope to carry on those traditions. Ida was a modest and selfless woman who cared for her home and her loved ones with great devotion. She enjoyed dining out, keeping her routine hairdresser appointments, and spending time with family and friends. She found the time to offer her friends her gracious spirit, while sharing their commonality in religious activities. Ida was a gem and a guiding angel on earth, and now a guardian angel in the heavens above. Ida was a practicing Catholic with a deep faith, which began in her childhood when she lived on a farm with her family. She was born on the Blessed Mother’s birthday and shared her passions by doing good deeds for others. Ida lived a deeply religious life and being in church gave her ease of mind and peace in her heart. She carried her burdens gracefully and was admired by her family, friends, and loved ones. She was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. She loved the music and beauty of church mass and enjoyed singing in many church choirs. Ida is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Richard Karrat of New Hartford, and Barbara Jweid of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Norman J. Jweid who preceded her in death; and her daughter, Patricia Ann Jweid who passed away in infancy. She also leaves her grandson and angel, Richard “Richie” Karrat of New Jersey who she helped raise; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren, and in-laws, Doris St. Mary, Neaska St. Mary, George and Karen Jweid, Janet and William Chanatry, Lorraine Kawam, and Dolores Jweid. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, James St. Mary, Leonard and Marion St. Mary, Robert and Yvette St. Mary, Bernard, and Floyd St. Mary; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Niem and Sarah Jweid; and her in-laws, Bertha Nassif, Elizabeth and Joseph Kawam, John Jweid and Pierre Kawam. The family is grateful to Fr. Anthony LaFache, Ida’s friend and spiritual mentor, and the one who bestowed her many prayers and her final anointing; her special niece and her husband, Carolyn and Gene Marlow and their children for their love and kindness, and always being there for their aunt Ida; the St. Mary nieces, Janette, Karen, and Kathy for their care and visits; and all the other family members and friends who have been a source of solace and support.,We thank you very much. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider prayer intentions by having Masses said in Ida’s honor. Ida’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Committal services will be celebrated at Calvary Chapel followed by Interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Ida M. (St. Mary) Jweid

September 8, 1934 - January 31, 2017