Rose Marie "Grandma Ro" Humphreys

UTICA – Rose Marie “Grandma Ro” (Stoio) Humphreys was called home to the Lord, at the accomplished age of 94, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, after being attended to by family throughout her illness. Born in Utica on May 3, 1929, Rose Marie was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Theresa (Salvatore) Stoio. She was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On October 7, 1950, she was wed to David R. Humphreys. They were respectful and loving to one another, and the birth of their adored daughter enhanced the love of family, which was important to them. Rose Marie and David shared nearly 53 years together until his passing on September 9, 2003. Rose Marie was employed by the Utica City School District as a teacher’s assistant. She will be remembered for her dedication and longevity at the various locations she worked at, including Wetmore, General Herkimer, Seymour, and Jefferson Elementary Schools. Her last position was at Jefferson where she was responsible for assisting children in the library. In retrospect Rose Marie was so proud to have worked until the age of 88! It was genuinely believed that her vocation kept her motivated and certainly gave her purpose, providing her with quality in her life. Rose Marie was admired for being a helpful person and having a caring heart. The greatest gift she ever received was her daughter and son-in-law who watched over her. She had no idea how her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would fill a space in her heart that she never knew was empty – they truly were her jewels. Rose Marie loved to visit with others. And before you knew it, the card games began, and laughter was constant. She was a fabulous Italian cook and baker. Everyone enjoyed the great meals she prepared, and she was grateful for their compliments. Rose Marie found immense joy in knitting. A few years ago, she lovingly knitted 100 pairs of mittens to donate to Notre Dame Elementary School. All her family and dearest of friends have treasures that she made for each of them. Rose Marie treasured her group of friends who affectionately called themselves “The Club.” Her forte was preparing for the Christmas season and making sure that her family knew of the love that only a traditional holiday meal could provide. Rose Marie is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Karen Ann and Walter J. Parzych, Jr.; her grandchildren, Michael Thomas and Christina Parzych, and Steven Joseph Parzych; and a group of great-grandchildren who charmed her heart, David, Samantha, Christopher, Ryan, Evan, Jennifer, and Aaron. Rose Marie was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Jennie and Dominic Muto, Cora and Peter Agnone, Delores and William Shaw, Anthony “Tony” and Mary Stoio, Louis and Philomena Stoio, Thomas “Tommy” and Cecelia Stoio, and Carl Stoio. She further leaves her memory to her sister-in-law, Angela Stoio; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, as well as many friends that blessed her throughout her life. She is further predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael and Catherine (Roberts) Humphreys, and two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Eleanor Lobernz, Catherine Hamlin, and Robert Humphreys. The family would like to extend special thank you to Dr. Wayde Hunt, Rose Marie’s long time personal physician, and the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, who provided excellent care and many acts of kindness for Rose Marie and her entire family. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Rose Marie’s honor may be made to Notre Dame Elementary, 11 Barton Ave., Utica, NY 13502; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rose Marie’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Committal Services and Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum (located at the main entrance) at the convenience of the family.

Rose Marie "Grandma Ro" Humphreys

May 3, 1929 - February 14, 2024