Obituary of Araceli C. Manaoat

      Mrs. Araceli C. Manaoat, 90, a resident of the Presbyterian Home for CNY and formerly of N. Utica and Los Angeles, CA, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Presbyterian home in New Hartford.

      Araceli was born on March 1, 1933, in Ibaan Batangas, Philippines, the daughter of Jose Vince Cruz and Felicidad Torralba. She was raised and educated in the Philippines and graduated from St. Bridget College with a degree in Elementary Education. On November 21, 1953, Araceli was united in marriage with Michael G. Manaoat, a loving union of 33 years until Michael’s death in 1986. Araceli was employed as an auditing clerk with Civil Aeronautics in Manila until she immigrated to the U.S. She was a Navy wife and loved traveling, reveling in the beauty of different states, countries and cultures. She was an avid gardener, puttering around in her garden for hours. She was a fashion aficionado often seen wearing the latest fashion trends. She was a devout Catholic, former parishioner of St. Martha Catholic Church, La Puente CA until she moved to Utica NY. Araceli’s greatest joy was spending time with her precious family who were the light of her life.

     Mrs. Manaoat is survived by two daughters, Marian C. Decensi of Los Angeles, CA and Shirley Mercado and her fiancée Edward Frisillo of N. Utica; one son, Michael (Elizabeth) Manaoat of Los Angeles, CA; five cherished grandchildren, Michael A. (Cayde) Manaoat, Jonathan Manaoat of Los Angeles, CA, Steven Nakamura of San Diego, CA, Katrina Mercado and Paul (Katie) Mercado of Buffalo NY; four great grandchildren, Miles Manaoat, Emmalee Manaoat, Serena Grace MacFarlane and Sebastian Manaoat, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Milagros Vince Cruz, Mercedita Altier and Myrna Vince Cruz and one brother, Gualberto Vince Cruz.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a memorial service at 6:00pm at the conclusion of calling hours.