- On December 9, 2011, our beloved Angela grasped the extended hand of her Guardian Angel Bernadette who guided her to a joyous reunion with departed loves ones. She was welcomed into the loving arms of Dominick M. and Anna (Colella) Baleno on April 23, 1935, as a reward for their faithful prayers in their ten year childless marriage. Angela graduated from under the watchful eyes of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Saint Agnes Elementary School where she acquired her strong Catholic principles to which she adhered throughout her lifetime. She graduated from T.R. Proctor High School with honors and soon after had the opportunity to apply her proficiency in clerical skills in a variety of positions locally. She was employed for 2 years in the offices of National Auto Company and later advanced to a position in the billing department of AT & T Telephone Company. Angela's final employment was with the French Road Plant of the General Electric Company where she served as Executive Secretary to the Manager of Materials.
On April 30, 1960, she was wed to her high school classmate Michael R. Taurisano in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church; a 51 year union built on love, support, and mutual respect. God blessed them with five wonderful children who became the focus of their lives.
Angela discovered her creative and artistic abilities as a young teenager when she learned to hand-color in oil paints, the many portraits, wedding, and communion photos in the family's photography studio. Marriage and motherhood presented the opportunity to explore a wide range of her creative skills. She soon was able to fabricate professional quality draperies, curtains, and garments for herself and the children. The highlight was the custom made Easter outfits for the five children, including sports jackets and topcoats for the boys, complete with miniature neckties, and the frilly dresses and capes for the girls. Cooking and baking became her forte' and her family and dinner guests always looked forward to sampling her latest creation. Shopping, especially for the significantly large family grocery list was a true test of her innate bargain hunting skills. She often commented about the year of five hungry teenagers in the household and the special challenges it presented.
As her children grew self sufficient, Angela finally began to enjoy what she referred to as "My Time". She became a volunteer at St. Luke's-Memorial Hospital and joined several community organizations including The Utica Curling Club, Weed and Seed Garden Club, New Hartford Genetaska, and Phi Beta Omega Sorority. She attended to her extensive flower gardens with energy and expertise, providing colorful fresh cut arrangements for her table on a continual basis.
Never hesitant for a new adventure, in 1983 she and her husband founded Speedy Awards and Engraving in New Hartford. Together they learned the necessary business and technical skills to develop the business into a full time pursuit. Today the firm continues and is operated by two of their children who have built upon the foundation that their parents forged 28 years ago.
Upon their retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling on long cross-country vacations in their motorhome. Angela enjoyed their trips, many as long as 6 months, especially to the south western states, and the lasting friendships they made with friends with whom they traveled or met along the way. Angela's devastating diagnosis with advanced cancer in May of 2009 brought out her true strength. She endured the torment of the disease with great dignity, determination, and optimism, often referring to it as "part of God's great plan". Despite almost 3 years of continuous chemotherapy treatment and several surgeries, she left her worldly life at peace and in the State of Grace bathed in the tears and love of her grieving family at her side. She often expressed her satisfaction and gratitude for her full and rewarding life, especially for the opportunity to see her children and grandchildren grow to be responsible and well-rounded adults.
Angela is survived by her beloved husband, Michael R.; sons and daughter-in-law, Tony and Patrice Taurisano of Westmoreland, and David M. Taurisano of New Hartford and fiancee, Paula Krakowiac; her daughters and son-in-law, Ann and Kevin Cough, and Lyn Taurisano, all of New Hartford, and Michele A. Taurisano of Liverpool; and her grandchildren, Jennifer Taurisano, TJ Taurisano, Tori Tizzano, Ali Tizzano, Kate Cough, Connor Cough, Cecilee Cashman and Courtney Cashman. In addition, she leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Klaude Konrad of Hilton Head, SC; her brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Eleide Baleno of Syracuse; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and in-laws, Marilyn and Joseph LaBarbera of Frankfort, and Carol and Robert Bedell of Deerfield. She will also be missed by her houseguest and cuddle buddy "Foxy", a 55 lb. gentle pitbull who thought of herself as a lap dog.
Angela's family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many family members and friends who supported and cared for her throughout her long illness. Special mention of the compassionate and competent caregivers at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center 6th floor and Critical Care Unit, the angels in the chemo infusion unit at The Regional Cancer Center at Faxton campus, Dr. Paul Davidson, Dr. Atul Butala, and his staff, Dr. Garth Garamone, the personnel of the Strong Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, Joanne and Richard Brown, Olga and Ralph Grandinette, Dick and Molly Gibson, Ralph and Lois Humphrey, Christine Rucco for her special attention and devotion, and the members of the RV clubs with whom she enjoyed many happy times. Our gratitude also goes out to Fr. Lupa, Fr. Fraats, and Angela's Pastor, Fr. Joseph Zareski, Msgr. Francis Willenburg, Mrs. Wanda Gregory, and Sr. Maureen for their wonderful spiritual support and the administering of the Holy Sacraments during her darkest hours.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Angela's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Zareski. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Online tributes at: www.EannaceFuneralHome.com
Observer-Dispatch (Utica, NY)
Date: December 11, 2011
Page: 3B
Record Number: 1963a734bf012d7d247c8566e866fd59
Copyright 2011 Observer-Dispatch. All Rights Reserved.
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1935 - 2011 (76 years) 
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