Vincenzina "Anna" (Oliva) Fontana

Mrs. Vincenzina "Anna" (Oliva) Fontana, age 85, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2012 in the warmth and comfort of her home in Utica. Vincenzina was born at her family farm on Higby Road in New Hartford on November 20, 1926, the youngest of five daughters of the late Francisco "Frank" and Marie Nicole "Colette" (Indino) Oliva. Her mother's early passing brought forth a very special and close bond between her and her sisters that lasted a lifetime. In helping to support the family, she worked at the Oneita Knitting Mill until 1953, and it was there that she met her future husband, Thomas R. "Tommy" Fontana who she married on May 9, 1953; the couple shared 57 years of marriage grounded in love and graced with mutual respect and great patience. Her beloved Tommy passed away March 6, 2011. As a mother and housewife, Anna took great pride and care in her domestic duties. She was a supportive mother who took great interest her son's activities and growth while truly devoting herself to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing home for her daughter, Mary Frances, who was born with special needs. Pleasant and personable, she enjoyed socializing with her neighbors. She will always be remembered as a “community” mom who provided safety and organization to all the children in the neighborhood, especially when getting them to and from school. She also provided sitting services for extended family as well as her grandchildren. In addition Anna spent time supervising special needs students as a school bus aide for the Utica School System. She had a particular fondness for natures creatures, especially the family cats, of which she adored. She treasured her tapes of old movies and movie soundtracks and had an extensive collection of 78's dating back to the 40’s and 50’s. Although not a sports fan per se she loved her New York Mets, and would always reminisce about Gary Carter and “those amazing Mets.” Anna was a woman of deep faith and was steadfast in her Catholic beliefs. She prayed for those she loved, and those in need, on a daily basis, and her beliefs and faith guided her interactions with all she came in contact with. Anna always cherished in her heart the memory of her daughter, Mary Frances, who passed away on February 17, 2006. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Roger Fontana and Paula Cognetti-Fontana; and her grandchildren, Andrew Fontana, and Meghan Fontana, all of Poland, NY. She also leaves her sister, Josephine Pantaleo of Utica; many special nieces and nephews and their families, Rosemary, Fran, Lorraine, Rosealine, Colette, Debbie, Robbie, and Mike; and her brother-in-law, Robert and Gail Fontana of Clark Mills. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and John Gentile, and Antoinette and "Mel" Bowen; her teenage sister, Mary Oliva; and her brothers-in-law, Charles Fontana, and Vito Pantaleo. The family is grateful to Dr. Sudershan Dang and his staff for the many years of care and support provided to Anna and her family. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness are encouraged to make a donation to Spring Farm Cares, 3364 State Rt. 12. Clinton , NY 13323; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Anna's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Sister Elizabeth Giarrusso, CSJ officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Vincenzina "Anna" (Oliva) Fontana

November 20, 1926 - July 2, 2012