Mrs. Louise T. (Santa Maria) Arcuri

Mrs. Louise T. (Santa Maria) Arcuri, age 87, passed away on Good Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Abraham House with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on May 10, 1927, Louise was the daughter of the late Dominick and Vincenza (Zottola) Santa Maria. She was raised and educated in local schools. On November 19, 1949 she married Louis G. Arcuri with whom she shared 46 years in a union blessed with respect for one another and bonded through the love of their children. Louis passed away on November 8, 1995. After raising her children, Louise entered the workforce as an employee of the Allen, Schmidt & Company clothing manufacturer where she shared her artistic skills in sewing men’s suits. She later held a position at the Joseph & Feiss Company as a seamstress with a specialty in constructing lapels on jackets. Louise was meticulous in so many ways. Her home was neat and orderly, and her meals were prepared with precision and served with proper place settings, a tradition she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Sunday dinners, holidays, and special occasions were grand and delectable. She was a gracious hostess, always prepared for coffee and … visits. Above all, she was a matriarch who devoted her heart and soul to her family. When her children were in school, she was an active member of the PTA. Later in life, she was proud to be a grandmother and over the years she developed a unique relationship with each grandchild, forever protective of them and ready and willing to share in their adventures. Because she was physically strong and energetic, Louise was able to creatively and independently accomplish tasks beyond her scope. Although she learned to drive at the age of 65, she maneuvered her vehicle flawlessly and learned to be assertive rather than aggressive driver. Sociable and witty, she will be remembered for her lovable, melodic laughter. She enjoyed traveling and treasured the memories of her trip to Italy with her family. She devoted time and talent to her flower garden, her little patch of earth so pleasing to look at and admire. She was a devout Catholic. Time and again, she recited the Rosary for the intentions of her loved ones. When she attended mass, she did so respectfully at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Louise is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Joanne and Laszlo “Laz” Kolozsvary of Manlius, and Linda LaPorte and her husband Rick Stoodley of Westmoreland; her son, Thomas Arcuri of Herkimer; her grandchildren, Yvonne and Troy Bullard, Christopher and Kathy Kolozsvary, Jonathan Kolozsvary and fiancee Kailey St. George; and her great-grandchildren, Kara Irene Bullard, Margaret Louise, and Yvonne Emily Kolozsvary. She will also be missed by her sister, Josephine Santa Maria of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her brother-in-law, Arthur Christiano. She also cherished the memory of her longtime and best friend, Edie DeStefano. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Antoinette Santa Maria, Anna Christiano, and Rose and Joseph Musa; her brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Mary Santa Maria; and her niece, Denise Musa. The family is grateful to Dr. Samuel Gooldy and his nurse, Laura, for their professional kindness and friendship; the personnel at the Rome Hospital Emergency Medicine Department; the staffs of the Abraham House and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Navas, who were extremely loving and caring; and Louise’s neighbors, Ray and Lynn Murray, who cared for her as if she were their mother. Louise’s family will honor and commemorate her life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions may be considered to the Abraham House (1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501) to continue their mission; envelopes will be available at the service. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Louise T. (Santa Maria) Arcuri

May 10, 1927 - April 3, 2015