Mrs. Patricia E. (Neary) Talerico

Mrs. Patricia E. (Neary) Talerico, age 80, of Whitesboro, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2011 in the privacy of her home with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on June 2, 1931, Patricia was the daughter of the late James and Eleanor (Higby) Neary. She was raised and educated locally, attending Utica Catholic Academy. On June 21, 1952 she married Carl J. Talerico with whom she shared 51 years until he passed away on December 2, 2003; Pat and Carl were soul mates from the beginning, and their lives were filled with joy and the blessings of their children and grandchildren. The matriarch of her family, Pat never pursued a career outside of the home, but chose to focus on her role as a wife and mother. She looked forward to her daily routine which included caring for her own children as well as welcoming the neighborhood kids. Strong-willed and devoted, she was also amazingly open-hearted and never spoke ill of anyone. She was classy and gentle by nature. Pat personified an inner goodness and compassion, and her family knew they could turn to her to listen and lend words of guidance. They all enjoyed and appreciated the individual attention they received from her. In her spare time, she put together puzzles, and played board games, card games, and dominoes. She loved watching QVC, going to garage sales, crafting beautiful, creative ceramic pieces, and meeting with friends in her Red Hat Society. She also liked the thrill of Las Vegas and the casinos. While she found pleasure in traveling to adventurous destinations, she also found peace in the solitude of nature. Pat placed a strong faith in God’s plan for life’s journey, and she worshipped at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Pat is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon Henkle, Kathy and Bernie Meenan, Debbie and Bob Williamson, Jr., and Donna and Tony Gerardo, all of Utica; her sons and daughters-in-law, Carl Talerico of Whitesboro, Anthony “Tony” and Patricia Talerico of Utica, Michael and Christine Talerico of Whitesboro, Richard and Kathy Talerico of Pattison, TX, Thomas “Tom” and Theresa Talerico of Houston, TX, and Edward “Ed” and Trish Talerico of Deerfield; her 25 grandchildren; and her 16 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her brother and sister-in-law, James “Bud” and Patricia “Patty” Neary of Deerfield; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Laura Talerico of Utica. She was blessed with a dear friend, Chris Siemski, and her caring neighbors. Her feline companion ‘Baby’ will also miss her love and kindness. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Nadine and Clair Pettit, Janice and Cy Decker, and Paula and Peter Daino; and her brother and sister-in-law, John “Jack” and Ruth Neary. A special thank you is extended to the nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., especially Kathy Smyth, Ann Amato, and Navaz Dhabhar; Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, and to all who offered love and care which allowed our mother to stay home while she took this journey with Cancer. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Patricia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 11:15 from the funeral home and at 12:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. “Fill your years with life, not your life with years”.

Mrs. Patricia E. (Neary) Talerico

June 2, 1931 - July 21, 2011