Sandra F. (Bilotta) Postal

Sandra F. (Bilotta) Postal, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Sandra was born on July 28, 1953 in Cortale, a town in the province of Catanzaro in the Calabria region of Italy, the daughter of the late Francesco M. “Frank” and Francesca (Nicotera) Bilotta. As a child, she came to Utica where she was raised and educated. She graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1971 and attended BOCES where she received her credentials in Floral Design. Sandra began her career as an intern with Chris Brown at Utica Floral downtown. She was proud of training with a notable mentor and his staff. She subsequently worked as a floral designer with Bushinger’s Flowers and lastly was a valued staff member at Coriale Flowers. She identified herself with her profession and her arrangements were creations that reflected her artistic ability and her love of design. Sandra had a great heart. She was humorous and her actions mirrored her feelings. She was quite a character, yet she was very respectful, often giving in to avoid a controversy. She was a determined woman who triumphed through trying times. But it was the birth of her twins that brought brightness and joy to her life, and she was so proud of who they became. Music soothed her soul and she was one who could name the artist when a song was played. A highlight for her was when she had an opportunity to see the band Rascal Flatts. She also enjoyed the thrills and chills of a good horror movie. For over 20 years, Sandra was a volunteer at the starting line of the Boilermaker Road Race, and each summer she looked forward to the camaraderie of gathering and greeting fellow volunteers. The City of Utica, under the leadership of Mayor Louis LaPolla, selected Sandra as the recipient of the Meritorious Award for Outstanding Achievement in volunteering in 1990. Sandra practiced her Catholic faith as a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Sandra is survived by her twin daughters, Lisa Barrett, and Erica Postal; her grandchildren, Johnny Postal; and Isabella, and Silvanna Barrett; and her sister and brother-in-law, Paula and Al Passante. Her extended family includes her nieces and nephews, Jason Passante and Danielle Robidoux, Jennifer and Mark Lundquist, Alison and Jason Brown, and Nicole Passante and Kevin Himmelwright; her great nieces, great nephews; her cousins in Italy; her uncle, Pasquale Bilotta; and her dear friend Ann Dunn. She truly enjoyed her work at Coriale Flowers where Tino and the staff were very important to her. The family is grateful to the personnel of the Progressive Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Hollie Maline who was outstanding and genuine in her love for the family; as well as the many other hospital staff members. Visitation will be held Monday from 10:00-11:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Sandra’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Sandra F. (Bilotta) Postal

July 28, 1953 - June 16, 2016