Obituary for Mrs. MaryEllen “Mer” (Enea) Cucharale UTICA – Mrs. MaryEllen “Mer” (Enea) Cucharale, age 80, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on June 11, 1938, MaryEllen was the daughter of the late Stephen S. and Celia (Ronchetti) Enea. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1956.
On April 27, 1957 she married Joseph F. Cucharale and during their 61 year union they were a good and devoted team and steadfast partners. MaryEllen worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Brandegee School where she had a great love for the children she watched over and cared for. She subsequently held a position at Harron Cable in the Customer Service Department.
She enjoyed the camaraderie of her co-workers and customers. MaryEllen was a selfless and loyal friend. She also possessed the qualities of being strong, yet with a gentle touch.
As a mom, she watched over her children with guidance and good judgment. She was also a mom to her children’s friends. She was helpful, thoughtful, and very concerned about others.
She had a special knack of being aware of the needs of those she loved and befriended. She was elated to be a Grammy! Her grandkids lit up her life and she loved them unconditionally.
MaryEllen was a hardworking woman blessed with strength of character. She lived each day to the fullest and faced adversities and adventures with courage and perseverance. In her own words, MaryEllen said she was grateful for having a good husband and was proud of her children and grandchildren.
For many years, she enjoyed their summer camp at the river at Thousand Islands. They had wonderful friendships, and they enjoyed those who knew the beauty of that little piece of heaven. In looking back, it was the simple things in life that made MaryEllen happy, like bingo, and playing cards with her friends.
The door was always open, a pot of coffee was on, and she knew your favorite treats. She was a faithful woman who led a good, humble life. MaryEllen is survived by her beloved husband, Joe; her children and their loves, Donna M. Cucharale, Mark J. and Linda Cucharale, and Joseph F., Jr., Sgt.
Retired UPD and Margaret Ann Cucharale; her grandchildren, Bryan, and Brandon Allen; Jace Cucharale; and Kali, and Karissa Cucharale; her sister Agatha Enea with whom she shared a special bond; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Philip and Gloria Enea, and Ben and Roe Enea; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard M. and Jacqueline Cucharale. She will also be remembered by her aunts and uncles, Beverly Ronchetti, Carmela Grande-Etergineoso, and Rocco and Lena Cucharale; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and the many special friends who graced her life throughout the years with love and laughter. She was blessed by her next door neighbor and loyal friend, Rose Bucciero.
MaryEllen was also companioned by her rescue dog “Rusty” who brought her the greatest joy. She was predeceased by her father-in-law, Joseph A. Cucharale. The family wishes to thank the nurses at MVHS at Faxton Hospital and the St. Luke’s Home for their kindness and care.
The family commemorated her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Servatius.
The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in MaryEllen’s honor may be made to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St, Utica, NY 13501 or online at www. theabrahamhouse.org; envelopes will be available at the service.
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