Vincenza F. (Zegarelli) Totaro

Mrs. Vincenza F. (Zegarelli) Totaro, age 87, of Clark Mills, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Ausonia Province of Frosinone, Italy on April 7, 1922, Vincenza was the daughter of the late Michael and Maria (Castelli) Zegarelli. She received her primary education in Italy and as a teenager she relocated to the United States to join her family. On September 4, 1950 she married Mario L. Totaro with whom she shared 59 years graced with love and devotion to each other. During her working years, Vincenza was employed as a seamstress at the Boys Clothing Store in downtown Utica until the time of her marriage. She then left the workforce to care for her family which she held so dear. Her heart was happiest when she was nurturing and providing for her husband, children, and grandchildren, and her primary interest was to make sure that her children and their families were educated. A sociable and friendly woman, Vincenza was feisty and humorous by nature. She derived pleasure from planting and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, and cooking wonderful meals infused with the bounty of her garden. She took special pride in preparing the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and sewing, and her children and grandchildren will treasure the beautiful blankets that she created. Since she was unable to attend Mass, she faithfully watched the Mass celebrated on television. She was a communicant of the Annunciation Church in Clark Mills. Vincenza is survived by her husband, Mario; her daughters and sons-in-law, Jo Ann and Robert Beach of Utica, and Mary Ann and Mitchell Hawkins of Westmoreland; her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Lori Totaro of Whitesboro; and her grandchildren, Bobby, Becky, and Jeffrey Beach; Sara, Erica, Nicole “Nicky”, and Samantha Hawkins; and Gina, Lisa, and Sara Totaro. Survivors also include her brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Thelma Zegarelli of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Arthur and Grace Totaro, Joan Totaro, and Norma Totaro. She also leaves her friends, Joseph and Sue Aquino, Hank and Linda Healy, and Marty Constabile. She was predeceased by her in-laws, James Totaro, Joseph and Hazel Totaro , and Robert Totaro. The family is thankful to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program through the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) who provided the special caregivers, Carol, Savanna, Gigi, Lee, Carmen, CoCo, and Gen, who were like family. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-6:00 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 contributions in Vincenza's honor to the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corp (COVAC)or the Clark Mills Fire Department; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Vincenza's funeral service and Celebration of Life will be offered on Monday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation with Rev. Felix Colosimo officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Vincenza F. (Zegarelli) Totaro

April 7, 1922 - November 18, 2009