Katherine (Artessa) Poynter

Mrs. Katherine (Artessa) Poynter, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 9, 1922, Katherine was the daughter of the late Fortunato and Maria (Greco) Artessa. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On July 25, 1942 she married Raymond J. Poynter, Sr. with whom she shared 51 years as best friends and companions on their journey through life. Raymond passed away on August 2, 1993. During Katherine’s younger years, she worked for the Federal Government in the Defense Contract Administration Services as a Procurement Clerk for many years until her retirement. As the matriarch of her home, Katherine was a devoted caregiver to her husband, children, and her extended family. Blessed with a generous heart and an altruistic nature, she often gave to others while sacrificing her own needs. She loved arts & crafts and sewing, often sharing her lovely creations with family and friends. She enjoyed the sport of golf and traveling with her husband to visit their son in Maui, Hawaii, and her husband’s family in Kentucky. Katherine expressed her faith through her Catholic prayers which sustained her through ordeals and hardships during her life. Katherine is survived by her daughters, Karen Kyer of Vernon, and Linda Wilson of Rome; her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Shareen Poynter of Hawaii. She holds close to her heart the memory of her son Raymond, Jr. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren, Raymond Scott and Kelly Poynter, Christie Marie Jewell, Tina Marie Kyer, Elizabeth and Daryl Rocker, Chad Wilson, Logan Poynter, and Diane and Gary Picker; and her great-grandchildren, Xander Jewell, Maggie Jewell, Rowan DeKing, Wyatt Poynter, Madeline Poynter, Grace Poynter, Colton Rocker, and Garet Rocker. She will be missed by her sister, Betty Angerosa of Utica; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Mary Artessa, and Morris and Pat Artessa, all of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters, Angeline King, and Rose Duggelby; and her brothers, Ottavio Artessa, Anthony Artessa, Frank “Hank” Artessa, and Carmen Artessa. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the 3rd Floor of the Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the care and attention they rendered to Katherine during her short stay. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Katherine’s honor may be made to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Due to renovations in progress at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, Katherine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Katherine (Artessa) Poynter

January 9, 1922 - June 3, 2014