Obituary for Mrs. Veronica V. “Ronnie” (Duda) Femia UTICA – Mrs. Veronica V. “Ronnie” (Duda) Femia, age 92, went home to the Lord as she passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 30, 1926, Veronica was the daughter of the late Edward and Agnes (Nawja) Duda. She was raised and educated locally.
On June 14, 1947 she married Frank J. Femia with whom she shared 37 years prior to his passing on July 1, 1984. Their mutual love and commitment to family made for a solid and devoted marriage. During her working years, Veronica was employed with the Horrocks-Ibbotson Fish & Tackle Company where she worked as a winder for 15 years.
Ronnie was a devoted daughter and she and her mother shared an exceptional closeness. As she needed care, she became part of Ronnie’s household and it was an exemplary sign of love that was forever etched in her family members’ hearts. As matriarch of her family, Veronica was meticulous in maintaining her home, cooking, and carrying on family traditions.
She was a kind and supportive mother who shared her ideas, advice, and lifetime experiences with her children and grandchildren. Through her, they learned to live a respectable life and were appreciative of their blessings. Ronnie was a member of the Yorkville & New York Mills Senior Center, was an avid Bingo player, and bowler.
She treasured the memories of many vacations she enjoyed with her husband and family. She was originally a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church and became a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish.
In looking back on her life, Veronica’s greatest blessing was being the mother and grandmother she intended to be and leading a simple, good life. Veronica is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia “Pat” and Thomas Hawkins; her sons and daughters-in-law, Frank N. and Debra Femia, and Dr. Ronald “Ronnie” and Michelle Femia; grandchildren, Tricia and Matt Pezdek, Kimberly and Michael Capasso, Jaime and Joe George; Dr. Frank Femia, Dr. Lisa Femia Hou and her husband Dr. Joe Hou; Ron and Kate Femia, and Alexandra “Alex” and Luke Miller; great-grandchildren, Michael, and Emmy; Olivia, and Joseph; Milana, and Gabriela, She will also be remembered by her sister, Gladys S. Williams; her nieces and nephews, John and Bonnie Carvelli, Sandra and Michael Collins, and the Femia nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her sister-in-law, Rose Bucciero. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Natale and Teresa Femia, in-laws, Felicia “Phyllis” and Dominick Tagliere, Marian and Dominick Mazzaferro, Rocco F. Sr. and Loretta A. Femia, Vincent F. Sr. and Betty Jane Femia, Edward J. Bucciero, and Joseph & Bruna Femia; and niece, Joanne DiNigro.
The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY Woodgate Household for the love and care rendered to Ronnie. Dr. Elif Erim and the nurses and staff were exceptional in their kindness and professionalism. The family will honor and commemorate Veronica’s life at a private time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Upstate Cerebral Palsy to benefit the Frank J. Femia Residence, 258 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502, online at www. upstatecp.org/ways-to-give/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt.
Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will be receiving visitors after the Mass in the church.
Entombment will take place in the family’s private mausoleum in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Veronica V. “Ronnie” (Duda) Femia please visit our Sympathy Store.
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