Ella M. Roback 1925-2016 North Utica- Ella Marie Roback, 90, of North Utica passed away at home on Sunday, June 12, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Mom, you have always been a pillar of strength with a heart of gold. Your ability to teach, care, love and be compassionate will stay with us forever. As a mom, you were always there to teach, guide, support, and love each of us in your own special way. You made all of our lives so much better with your gentle kindness and sense of humor. The world has evolved all around us but the one constant that we could always count on and feel safe with was your love. You were always there for us through some very amazing times and through some many not so amazing times. Your love meant the world to us. Although your journey on Earth has ended, your life and the lessons you taught us will carry on forever. If we only had one more day, if we only had one more laugh…if only, if only…but for now, we will cherish the memories until we all meet again and once again complete our circle in Heaven. Gram, you had a big heart for such a “liddle” lady. Your presence and beautiful smile made for a cozy welcome to our favorite hangout. We will never forget the way you shared your love and humor – not only with our family, but with our friends as well. Having you as one of our best friends helped us get through all of life’s ups and downs. We will miss watching the Mets, playing Scrabble, and making puzzles with you. No words could ever express the deep love and happiness you have given us. You will always have a special place in our hearts. Love you. Ella was born in Utica on November 25, 1925 a daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Motto) Christopher. She was raised and educated in Utica attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and a 1944 graduate of Proctor High School. Ella married Henry (Hank) Roback at St. Agnes Church on June 25th, 1949. Throughout her working career Ella was employed with Home Dairy Cafeteria, Griffiss Air Force Base, Skenandoa, General Electric, Utica Cutlery, Sears, Boston Store, Montgomery Wards and Zales Jewelers. She was a member of Historic Old St. John's Church, Ilcoro Italian Choir, West Side Center, and Proctor High School Alumni Class of 1944 Reunion Committee Member. She also enjoyed dancing, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, collecting angels, watching the Mets and the Syracuse basketball team play. Ella was a loving and devoted wife of 63 years to her husband Hank who passed away in June 2012. She was also a proud and loving mom to their six children and their spouses: Sherry and Bill Stevens, Sue and Jeff Bord, Bob, Sr. (deceased) and Joanne Roback, Diane and Marc Pudney, Gary and Lesia Roback and David Roback. Grandmother to her cherished grandchildren: Robyn and Rob, Bob, Jr. and Anoulack, Valerie (deceased), Jeffrey and Lauren, David, Stephanie, Gary, Hayley, Alec and Shane. She is also great grandmother to Mali, Kayla, Camryn and Madden. Ella also leaves behind Dominic and Marylou Christopher, Grace Martin and Tony Greci, Robert and Alice Christopher, Pam Christopher, Raymond and Irene Christopher, Helen Christopher, Irene and Al Paniccia, Raymond and Joanne Roback, Ronald and Kathy Roback and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Anthony, Michael, Edward and Lisa Christopher and Chester, Frances, Edward and Helen Roback. Mrs. Roback's funeral will be held on Friday, June 17th, 2016 at 12:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and at 1:00 from Historic Old St. John's Church, Utica. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Utica. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 4-8. Those so wishing may make donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care or the American Cancer Society in Ella's memory. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hospice especially Crystal. Georgia, Elaina and Julie. On line messages of sympathy may be made at Heintzfuneralservice.net