ONEONTA - The family and friends of Carolyn P. Battista (nee) Percuoco are sad
to announce her death, at home in Oneonta, NY on Thursday April 23, 2015.



She was born on September 25, 1944 to the late Patrick and Alice Percuoco. She
grew up in Troy and was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church. She
graduated from Troy High School in 1962.



From 1966-1967 she trained and worked at St. Catherine's Infant Home assisting
with foundlings and children born with disabilities. She loved this experience
and the impact never left her.



In 1969 she graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in Early Childhood
Education. Her experience at St. Catherine's led her to several positions as
teacher/counselor at Elmcrest Children's Center and St. Barnabus House. She
began a Bachelor's Degree at SUNY and met and married Angelo Battista in
September of 1972. He predeceased her.



On April 3, 1972 she began as a secretary/receptionist for the Otsego County
Mental Health clinic. She held that job for 39 years, retiring on April 30th,
2011. She described her time there as "inspiring, frustrating, enriching,
discouraging, positive, heart breaking, uplifting, challenging, humbling,
satisfying and extremely rewarding."



On November 5, 2010 her mother Alice Percuoco, at age 95 was brought to Oneonta
to stay at Robynwood and then Fox Hospital nursing home so she could be close to
her daughter. Carolyn had almost daily contact with her mother until her death
in December 2014. The few trips she took away from her mother she arranged for
her dear friend Emily Phillips-Knapp to function as stepdaughter. She was a
loving and devoted daughter. She made friends with so many of the staff at both
of these locations. She made friends and close relationships wherever she went.



In 2012 Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent chemotherapy and
radiation and was declared in remission as of September 2014. She was always
upbeat and positive about this treatment. She had her port removed in December
2014 as a symbol of her belief she was cancer free and going to remain that way.
Her sudden heart attack was a shock to everyone.



Carolyn is survived by one brother, Ronald Percuoco of Burbank, California and
an aunt, Helen Williams of Lake Luzerne, NY. Also surviving are cousins Brian
Percuoco, James Percuoco and Craig Williams, Elizabeth Vassallo, Nancy Traugut, and Kim Percuoco. Carolyn leaves behind James
Ferenbach of New Lisbon, her significant other of 24 years; and her 38-year
friendship with Emily Phillips-Knapp, her "sister from another mother" as she
was fond of saying.



Carolyn leaves many dearly beloved friends, who benefited from her empathy,
humor, and wisdom. She gave generously of her time and talent, buoying spirits
wherever she went. She bore her own illnesses lightly while offering counsel and
support to others in need, including family, friends, and acquaintances. Her
sense of joy, color, fun and optimism were infectious. She will be greatly
missed.



She was active in St. Mary's Bible study classes, worked at their food bank and
also assisted with the group Holy Sews that makes layettes for stillborn babies.
She found all of these activities extremely rewarding and important.



Calling hours will be Friday, May 1 from 5-7 pm with a service and celebration
of her life officiated by the Reverend Judith Thistle, beginning at 7 pm, at the
Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. Items from
Carolyn's extensive collections and memorabilia will be available for visitors
to take in her memory. She was adamant that her precious things go to good
homes. There will be time at the service for sharing of stories and comments.
Please feel free to speak up.



Burial will be 11 am Saturday, May 2 at St. Mary's Cemetery on Tibbits Avenue in
Troy, NY.



In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation at http://www.bcrfcure.org/ where 91% of the funds collected goes to
research and awareness. They have an A+ and 4 star rating as a charity
organization.



Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com