Mrs. Thelma F. (Pape) Capuana

Mrs. Thelma F. (Pape) Capuana, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2012, in the comfort of her daughter and son-in-law’s home surrounded by the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on January 22, 1917, Thelma was the daughter of the late Anthony D. and Josephine “Jo” (Galotti) Pape. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On February 12, 1947 she married Alfred “Fritz” Capuana with whom she shared 36 years until his passing on March 18, 1983; they were devoted in their commitment to each other and to family life. Thelma’s working days were diverse. She was a member of the office staff at Wonder Bakery, served in a secretarial position at the Oneida County Probation Department, and subsequently at the Oneida County Budget Department, the position from which she retired; she held a great admiration for the late Admiral William R. Cox who was her Supervisor. But Thelma’s greatest vocation in life was being a mother to her daughters who were so devoted to her. She possessed an inner beauty and genuine concern for others which made her so available to be present to those she loved. She was a good listener, a wonderful caretaker, and was always dependable. She graciously accepted the changes that life and society presented her, and refrained from being judgmental. Thelma is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara Jo and Richard Wehrle, Sr. who opened their home to Thelma these past few years, Roseanne and Charles Bateman, Jr. of Kayuta Lake, and William “Bill” Battle, Sr. of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Carol M. Battle, who passed away on September 10, 2009. She also leaves her grandchildren, Retired UPD Richard A., Jr. and Gina (Ferris) Wehrle, Alfred Wehrle; Wendy Miga, Heather and Michael Delia, Charles G. Bateman III; William “Billy” Battle, Jr. and fiancee Melissa Furgol, Michael J. Battle, and Rochelle R. Battle; and her great-grandchildren, Andrew Alfred Wehrle, twins Angelina Rose and Nicholas Anthony Wehrle, Lilyana Marie Wehrle; Jeffrey Paul Miga, Joseph Francis Miga, Charlie Bateman; and twins Ellasandra and Michael Delia. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Helen Jiampetro with whom she shared a close sisterhood; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, notably Arlene and James Calabrese. During Thelma’s life she knew the friendship of many wonderful people. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Orazio and Bernadette Capuana, Joseph and Alvera Capuana, Rose and Joseph Maurizio, and Dominick Jiampietro; cousins, Elizabeth “Betty” Centolella, and Antoinette Agosto; and most recently her dear friend and neighbor, Lillian Maugeri. In addition to the devotion shared by her family, she was cared for by the outstanding staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., the Visiting Nurse Assn., and Dr. Christopher Clark whose tenderness brought much comfort. A special thank you is extended to her nephew, Sal Capuana who tended to Thelma’s needs for many years. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings. Thelma’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Thelma F. (Pape) Capuana

January 22, 1917 - January 19, 2012