Yvonne (Gelders) Rubino

Mrs. Yvonne (Gelders) Rubino, age 77, of Utica, went home to be with the Lord and reunite with her beloved husband when she passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 9, 2010. Yvonne was born a coal miner’s daughter on October 23, 1933 to the late Augustinus and Elizabeth (Bernaers) Gelders in Beverlo, Belgium. Her given name was Alphonsina Octavia Yvonne. In 1953, in her native country, she married Sante Rubino whom she adored throughout their 44 year marriage. Yvonne and Sante made the decision to come to this country for a better life where they worked hard as a couple. Settling in Utica, they were fortunate enough to be blessed with 8 children. Yvonne’s life was devoted to raising and nurturing her large family. On August 15, 1997 she lost her beloved Rubino. Yvonne had a very accepting nature. She was known to be a wonderful conversationalist and was often complimented on her accent and beautiful voice. Yvonne was sincere and honest in her interest in other’s lives. As a mother, her heart was enormous. She worried and prayed for each of her children every day and was their source of strength. Her life’s ambition was happily devoted to tending to her home and family, never wanting for more. She possessed a passion for cooking that began as a child when she learned to prepare meals for her father and brothers. Though she cooked like a true Italian, her family recipes from Belgium were her specialties. Many will remember the delicious meals she prepared, especially her cheese meatballs. Along with her love for being in the kitchen, she equally enjoyed retelling the stories of her childhood and past, elaborating on every detail. She possessed a sense of humor that brought laughter to whoever was lucky enough to be in her company. Yvonne also enjoyed riding her bicycle, dancing, crocheting blankets for her children in her younger years and occasionally juggling for her grandchildren. Most of all, she enjoyed the simple things in life that included Sunday dinners with her family, which she treasured dearly, and holiday gatherings. As a devout Catholic and member of St. Anthony’s Church, she strived for her children to have harmony in their lives and left a legacy of examples of what it takes to be a good mother. As many of us feel at a time like this, “We are never ready to let go of such a beautiful mother.” Mommy, we love you and will miss you for the rest of our lives. Yvonne is survived by her 8 adored children; Leonarda (Lee) and Santo Tomaino of Sauquoit, Elizabeth and Anthony DeCarolis of Old Forge, Santina and Pat Gatto of Frankfort, Peter and Susan Rubino, Angela Rubino and Walt Becraft, Marcella Rubino and Marco and Rose Rubino, all of Utica, and David and Francine Rubino of Whitesboro; her 10 cherished grandchildren; Michael Tomaino, Mareesa Tomaino; Jeffrey Rubino, Jennifer Rubino; Marco Rubino Jr.; Joseph Gatto, John Gatto; and Janessa, Jordanna and Sofia Rubino. Survivors also include her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jose Gelders and Michel, Gaby and Ulrich Kiesow, Simone and Claudio DeLuca, and Nora and Antonio Tricarico; her brother and sister-in-law Marcel and Albertine Gelders, all of Belgium; her many nieces and nephews especially acknowledging Daniel Kiesow of Belgium, family cousins who reside locally, and her beloved Rubino’s many family members in Italy. She also leaves her most treasured best friend of 55 years, Dora DeFazio, who was truly like a sister. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law Jeanne and Paul Fries, Germaine Gelders; her brothers, Albert Gelders and Maurice Gelders. Visitation hours will be held Monday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Yvonne’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Yvonne (Gelders) Rubino

October 23, 1933 - December 9, 2010