Mrs. Kathleen "Kathy" (Talerico) Meenan

UTICA - Mrs. Kathleen “Kathy” (Talerico) Meenan, age 61, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the Abraham House in Rome. Her loving family was by her side after a meaningful life and courageous battle. Born in Utica on May 9, 1958, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Carl J. and Patricia E. (Neary) Talerico. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1975. Shortly after graduation, she ventured to Norfolk, Virginia for a period of time where she experienced all the vessels and attractions the city had to offer. Ultimately, she returned to Utica where she was just as happy. On October 20, 1984, before Mayor Louis LaPolla, she and Bernard H. “Bernie” Meenan, Jr. were wed. They were partners in love, life, and parenting their children. They were spiritually motivated to have their union blessed through the sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church, and on October 29, 2018 their commitment was consecrated. Following the ceremony, family and friends celebrated with them at a party, and it was the “best day, ever” for Kathy and Bernie. In the world of work, Kathy had a passion for retail merchandising. She held jobs at the Dress Barn, at her favorite place, the “All-For-a-Dollar” store, and at the Salvation Army as a Manager always paying forward and watching out for people’s needs and helping others. Talented, self-taught, and tenacious, her last position was at the office of Dr. Lawrence Marks, DDS, P.C. Oral Surgeon where she worked as a dedicated, trustworthy professional assistant. Kathy’s home was a highlight of her happiness. It was a comfortable, happy, safe space for her family, and that was paramount to her. Kathy and Bernie decorated their house together in various themes. Currently, it was “country” where the “Rooster Rules”, and they achieved the unique look of their “lived-in-home” with flair inspired by HGTV. The Christmas season especially called to Kathy’s creative talents, and right after Thanksgiving, because she was a Christmas “junkie”, she transformed her home into a winter wonderland where her Christmas tree proudly held her “special” ornaments in a priceless display. She frequented flea markets for treasures and remembrances of past years, especially the Regional Market in Syracuse where she made friends with the vendors. Kathy was fond of boating on the canal, and although she was afraid of water, she had a fancy for fishing at the “honey hole”, always returning the fish to their home and always with a radio on board tuned in to “Big Frog 104” with country music filling the air. She and Bernie often resorted to moving to the music on the gunwale of the boat, holding on to each other while dancing slowly. A favorite pastime for Kathy and Bernie was visiting the Casino, finding the right machine, dining at the Emerald Room, and meeting up with her BFF’s. They had the greatest of times with her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Tony. Kathy was a Catholic and a crusader for the needs of people with disabilities, a cause close to her heart. She served on several boards. Her son was the reason for her need to become involved and advocate for the rights of people with physical or mental impairments. Kathy felt blessed for the privilege of bringing children into the world and bringing them up with old-school traditions. Her kids knew their mom’s goodness and appreciated the values and virtues she passed on to them, and they also knew how proud she was of them. She was the bond that held her family together. Kathleen is survived by her devoted husband, Bernie; her sons and daughters-in-law, Jason Meenan and Heather Meenan, and James and Dr. Justyna Meenan, DVM; her adored grandchildren, Christian, and Adriana Meenan; and Annabelle Meenan; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon Henkle, Debbie and Bob Williamson Jr., and Donna and Tony Gerardo; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony “Tony” and Patricia Talerico, Michael and Christine Talerico, Richard and Kathy Talerico, Thomas “Tom” Talerico, and Edward “Ed” and Trish Talerico. She was preceded by her wonderful big brother, Carl Talerico. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, uncle Bud Neary; in-laws, Charles and Lynda Cooper, Cynthia Meenan, Ida Bonanza, Kevin Meenan, Donald H. “Joe” Meenan, Kathleen and Frank Zammiello, Haynie Jurkowski, and Raymond Wells; her longtime and treasured family friends, George and Sandy O’Dell; and a multitude of friends who have graced her life including Robin, Lucille, Nancy, and Carol. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, James and Eleanor Neary; father-in-law, Bernard Meenan Sr.; mother-in-law, Nellie H. Jurkowski; and in-laws, Theresa I. Wells, Clifford A. Jurkowski II, and Robert Bonanza, Sr. The family is grateful to Dr. Jeffery J. Kirshner, MD who was always encouraging, yet honest with Kathy, and the kindness and compassion of the volunteers and staff at the Abraham House in Rome will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be directed to the Hematology/Oncology Associates (HOA) of Central New York online at https://www.hoacny.com/news-events in Kathy’s honor. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Kathleen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday at 5:00 immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. “Mom was genuine in all aspects of her life, and thus beloved by many.” ...Thoughts from her sons. Please take a moment to listen to the following song in Kathy’s “Memory” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWoQW-b6Ph8

Mrs. Kathleen "Kathy" (Talerico) Meenan

May 9, 1958 - December 16, 2019