Norma E. (Wojnicz) England

Mrs. Norma E. (Wojnicz) England, age 76, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 20, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with her loving husband by her side. Born in Utica on October 29, 1931, Norma was the daughter of the late Edward and Beatrice (Lewis) Wojnicz. She was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On June 6, 1975 she married her best friend, Arthur W. England, with whom she shared 33 years in a loving relationship. They were devoted to each other’s happiness, and in 2005 their marriage was blessed by the Catholic Church. Norma began her working career at Kittenger’s Department Store, and later worked at Loblaw’s and Victory Markets. She then accepted a position with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local #1 as a comptroller and office supervisor, and in 1979 became office recorder prior to retiring in 1986 after 20 years of service. A thoughtful person with a generous and gracious personality, she had a meticulous manner and was organized in all her endeavors. She had a fun-filled spirit and loved her family with all her heart and she treasured the special memories of her granddaughters. She felt so blessed to have such a wonderful companion and husband to share her life and the comforts of their home of which she was so proud. She was always concerned about friends and loved ones and was unselfish in all her comforting actions. She prayed for those who needed the affection of her friendship and practiced her faith at Historic Old St. John's Church. Norma was a former secretary/treasurer with the Utica Shuffle Board League, a local NASCAR secretary, and along with her deceased sister, Anna, she was active in the ARC of Oneida-Lewis County hosting numerous annual picnics at her home for many under the care of the ARC. During her spare time she enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles and could carry a vocal tune with much style. Norma is survived by her husband, Arthur W.; her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and John DiPiazza of Land O’ Lakes, FL; her grandchildren, Lisa and Matt Nixon, Toni and John Brown, Diana and Mark Papaj, all of FL, and Michelle and Dave Galasso of NM; and her great-grandchildren, Peyton and Kylee Brown, and Jacob and Tyler Nixon. Survivors also include many nieces and nephews, especially Martin Peters, Andy and Diane Peters, and Mike and Claudine Peters; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her mother-in-law, Frances England; and her in-laws, Patricia and Richard Peters. Norma's life was blessed with the true friendship of Katherine Mastrangelo, Florence Brooks, Glenn Jones, George O’Dell, and her many friends at L.J.’s Sports Bar. She was predeceased by her sisters, Pauline Wojnicz, and Anna Wojnicz; her brother and sister-in-law, Anthony “Ted” and Joan Wojnicz; and her in-laws, Sherwood and Elizabeth England. The family offers sincere appreciation to Norma’s cousins, Chuck Kelly, Sr. and Chuck Kelly, Jr. who assisted during her time of need; the Utica Fire Department Rescue One, and the Emergency Room staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center all who aided with such compassion, as well as the many wonderful neighbors who have been of great support. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Norma’s honor to the ARC of Oneida-Lewis County in remembrance of her sister, Anna; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Norma’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Norma E. (Wojnicz) England

October 29, 1931 - October 20, 2008