Obituary of Patricia A LaMore

Mrs. Patricia (Patty) A. LaMore, 79, of Yorkville, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Pines at Utica with her loving family by her side after a long battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Patricia was born in Utica on December 8, 1944, the daughter of the late Elmer and Stella (French) Coleman.  Patricia was raised and graduated from Whitesboro High School.  On March 12, 1966, Patricia was united in marriage to Lawrence (Larry) LaMore, a blessed union of nearly 58 years.  Patricia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Our dad, Larry Lamore, was the love of her life.  They were friends since they were teenagers, and then married after he completed his service with the Air Force. She never took him for granted and loved him deeply. She appreciated him for being such a hard-working man and was proud to be his wife.  Even in the later stage of her illness she always lit up when she saw him and always found the strength to say I love you. 

She was our beloved mother.  She was always there for advice, to listen, to comfort or to share a laugh.  She wasn’t afraid to put her foot down, to teach us right from wrong, to make sure we did our best. And for all the times we thought she was being overbearing, we now know it was just one of the many ways she showed her love for us. It’s one of the things you don’t realize until you become an adult, and, especially when you become a parent of your own.  It all makes sense now, Mom.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She never said no to a visit or a sleepover and made the best breakfasts for them the morning after. She broke any and every rule she felt necessary because after all, having grandchildren is even better than having children! 

Our mom lived a simple, sweet life. Her most cherished valuables were her family, dear friends, and beloved dogs. She taught us that things are just things. Family Is what holds the most value. She never wanted an expensive car or a big house. Our little blue house was everything she ever wanted. She was kind, selfless, understanding, forgiving, and always put herself last. 

Mom found joy in cooking, especially for the people she loved. She worked tirelessly in her tiny kitchen making her infamous pierogis and galumpkis. She not only made them for family and friends but also for her favorite nurses, doctors, or anyone who just happened to mention they loved Polish food. Her Thanksgiving stuffing was another favorite, a recipe passed down by her late father-in-law (our Poppy) Willard. And If we were sick, she was quick to whip up her magical chicken soup- the soup that could cure anything! During the hard times, she would create casseroles from the leftovers. She called it “mishcombool”. We never knew if that was a real thing, but, somehow it was always delicious. She truly cooked with love! 

Through the years, some of Mom's favorite times were visiting the Klopfanstein family when all of us kids were young, tea (and gossip) with Emily, long talks with Terena, visits and treats from her Cousin Cookie, and having summertime ice cream on the porch with Suzi and Denise. In earlier years, her favorite part of the holidays was Christmas Eve at Alan and Helen’s. She loved to watch us play with our cousins while our dad and Uncle Al worked to fill the house with laughter. They knew how to work the room. The sound was deafening, especially from our Mimi, and Mom loved every bit of it! 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry, and loving daughters Tricia (Sean)Waszkiewicz of New Hartford and Jeaninne (Tommy) Klopfanstein of Westmoreland. She also leaves her adored grandchildren Nick, Joel, Marina Blando, and Gino Marangi. And step-grandchildren Kellie Rokjer, Nicole and Sarah Waszkiewicz, Tyler, Sean, and Kellen Klopfanstein.  She also leaves behind her in-law family; Alan (Helen) LaMore, Nancy (Lou) DeAngelis, Susan Cavanaugh, Steve (Helen) LaMore, nieces and nephews, cousin Lorraine “Cookie” Haley, godson Ron Klopfanstein (Jim Hale), and other loved ones she considered family; Terena Maline, Suzi Anderson, Denise Klopfanstein. Your love, care and compassion for her and our family, especially these last few years, will never be forgotten.

She was predeceased by her parents Elmer and Stella and brother Robert Coleman, in-laws Willard and Gloria (Mimi) LaMore, and her dear friend Emily Alsheimer-Hubbard. And last, but not least, her precious dogs, Chubbs, Tickles, and Peppers. 

Please join us in a celebration of her life on Tuesday, March 19th from 5-7PM from Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. 

In lieu of any flowers or gifts of condolence, please make a donation in Patricia’s memory to the Humane Society or animal shelter of one choice.  It is the best way to honor her memory. 

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the 4th-floor staff at the Pines for their care and compassion shown to Patricia and her family especially Lori, Shavaughn, Shereen, April, and Suci among many others. These wonderful nurses and aides treated her like their own (even when she went through her swearing phase). 

They always put our minds at ease.