Obituary for Mrs. Marie A. (Ruggiero) Yerman UTICA – Mrs. Marie “Ann” (Ruggiero) Yerman, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at the Siegenthaler Center with her family by her side. Born in Utica on October 7, 1940, Marie was the daughter of the late Salvatore J. and Mary (Pasto) Ruggiero. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy.
She furthered her education at MVCC in the area of Advertising and Art. On April 4, 1964 she married Kermitt “Bunky” Yerman with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. They persevered and enjoyed much love and laughter prior to his passing on September 22, 2014.
Marie dedicated her life to caring for her children and home, and she was also the neighborhood mom to her children’s friends. A caring, selfless woman, she was supportive emotionally and spiritually, and wanted the best for her children. She encouraged them to live up to their potential, pursue their dreams and goals, and live a good life.
With Marie as matriarch, not one holiday was missed, and birthdays were like holidays, complete with cake, ice cream, and gifts. She hoped and encouraged her children to maintain these traditions that she taught them so well. Marie had the recipe to become an amazing mom: faith, family, and honesty.
Her house was home base to 6 children and her grandkids, and it had a revolving door that welcomed all. She was an awesome baker and shared her personalized and artistic cakes with much pride. Her Italian heritage shaped her life and her outlook, and she honored it in her daily routine.
She was very creative and artistically talented, and her talents could be seen in her everyday life and in her attention to detail. Marie had many hobbies. For 60 years, she was a competitive bowler, a sport she enjoyed with her husband, and many years after in a women’s league.
She loved playing cards with family and always enjoyed the winning hand. She loved going to the gym daily, playing mahjong, shopping, and going out to lunch. All these activities she enjoyed with her amazing friends.
With her angelic nature, people gravitated to her, and her kindness and support for others was never forgotten by the multitude of friends who filled her life. Her immediate and extended family were not only related, they were truly friends. When she was young, Marie learned her love of the Lord from her mother.
She received the graces of attending Mass and was active for many years at Our Lady of Lourdes women’s groups. Currently, she was a communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. At the end of the day, Marie looked back on a wonderful life.
She was blessed with a great family and grandchildren who adored her. She made the best of every challenge and every hope, and all who loved her saw her sincerity that shined through her heartwarming smile. Marie is survived by her children and their spouses, Kim and Shawn O’Keefe, Kris Yerman, Kyle and Sheila Yerman, Kurt and Melissa Yerman, Kary Yerman, and Kreg and Kali Yerman; and grandchildren, Kaitlin, and Daniel O’Keefe who knew her affectionately as “Gramma Far-Away”; Emma, and Kamryn Yerman; Elizabeth, and Emily Yerman.
She also leaves many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, wonderful cousins; in-laws, especially Gary and Rev. Geraldine Yerman and their children; and an amazing number of friends who were so important to her and a testament to who she was. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph J. Ruggiero.
The family is grateful to Marie’s Nurse Practitioner, Susan Griffing who was so kind and personable; the ambience of the Siegenthaler Center and its outstanding staff for their personal attention and outpouring of support to the family; their genuine love will never be forgotten; and Fr. Tom Servatius for his prayers and gentle pastoral guidance that gave her comfort when she attended Mass and throughout her short illness. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.
Marie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and 9:30 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Servatius. Interment will follow graveside at St. Agnes Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marie’s honor may be considered to the Siegenthaler Center online at hospicecareinc.org/services/siegenthaler-center/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Marie A. (Ruggiero) Yerman please visit our Sympathy Store.
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