Obituary of Karen M. Ricci

      Karen M. Ricci of Utica, passed to eternal peace on April, 11, 2022 after a difficult battle with cancer.  In her final hours, she took comfort in being surrounded by family and loved ones.  Karen was predeceased by her beloved parents Florence E. (Babe) Ricci and Armon J. Ricci Sr. of Utica.

     One of four children, Karen (63) was born on September 13, 1958 and is survived by her loving siblings; Florence D. (Cookie) Plante and her husband Earl of Utica, Mary E. (MaryBeth) Ricci of Utica and Armon J. Ricci Jr. of Whitesboro.  Karen was a cherished Aunt to many nieces and nephews.  She is survived by her nieces; Colleen, Tara, Jacki, Tiffany and Lindsey, her nephews; Jim and Brian, her great nieces; Hailey, MiKayla, Taylor, Rachel, Armerae and Francesca, her great nephews; Nick, James, Takiem, Elijah, Rocco and Andrew, lifelong friends; Gail, Cheryl and Jackie and close family friends; Renee, Sue and Merill.  Sadly, Karen was predeceased by Amber and Elijah Blue.  Karen’s loved ones meant more to her than words can describe, and she meant the world to them.

      Karen was a thoughtful and caring woman who loved freely, most notable was her love of family.  Karen had a strong sense of family history, and often shared treasured stories from past generations with her nieces and nephews.  Karen was an animal lover, she always spoiled the family dogs over the years and had a lasting appreciation for horses, truly majestic animals.  Karen enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, especially Days of Our Lives, and she loved good classic movies.  She was a true New York Mets fan that bled orange and blue during baseball season, and her favorite color purple all other times.  You would routinely see her wearing shades of purple.  Karen is a Utica Free Academy class of ’76 graduate and attended Herkimer County Community College.

     The family is deeply saddened by Karen’s passing, she will be forever loved and forever remembered.

     Private visitation for family and close friends is Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Karen’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, 201 Main St., NY Mills.  She will be laid to rest with her parents in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.