Obituary of Blanche F. Neri

Blanche F. Neri, 78, of Rome, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at home with her loving family. She was born in Clinton, NY on August 12, 1930, daughter of the late Dominick R. and Cicely Thomas LoNero. On September 23, 1950 she married Dominick Neri in Blessed Sacrament Church, Utica. Mrs. Neri retired from Utica Psychiatric Center. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church. Blanche loved antique shopping, gardening and was an avid garage sale shopper. It is difficult to describe what a dynamic, amazing woman Blanche was. Everyone who knew her loved her enthusiastic zest for life and the zeal in which he tended to her husband, children and family. Blanche was creative and artistic. There wasn't anything she couldn't repair, sew or fix. She loved her dolls which she dressed beautifully. Her gardens decorating her home and her collectables were hobbies that she shared with her daughters. Every weekend was spent treasure hunting at garage sales and shops. Blanche helped sooth many a heart who sought out her counsel. There wasn't any topic that she didn't know about or any person she wouldn't talk with. This world will not be the same without Blanche gracing people's lives. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ann Neri, Fredericksburg, VA; three daughters and two sons in law, Michelle Neri, Rochester, NY, Crystal and Bill DeCarolis, Darcel and John Puleo, all of Rome; nine grandchildren, Dominick and Erin Neri, Cicely Neri, Heather and Amanda DeCarolis, Selena and Ross DeCarolis, Dominick and Danyelle Puleo. Also surviving are a sister and a brother-in-law, Marie and Henry Terchowitz, Utica; brothers in law, Antonio Leone Sr., Sarasota, FL, Jack Morse, Florida; sisters-in-law, Betty Grifasi and Helen Giardino, both of Rome, and Anna and Joseph Malone, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Beverly Morse and Dorothy Leone. The family would like to express a special thank you to Hospice Care and her many doctors who assisted in her care. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 9:45 a.m. from the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., and at St. John the Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Carr Cemetery, Marcy. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to share their memories online at www.njbushfuneralhome.com.