Mrs. Christina Placanica, 88, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Wynn Hospital with her loving family by her side.

     Christina was born in Priverno, Italy, on April 1, 1937, the daughter of Ardunio and Carolina (Toti) DeSantis. She was raised and educated in Italy before immigrating to the United States in the early 1960s, where she attended beauty school. On July 5, 1967, Christina was united in marriage to Nicola Placanica, a loving and devoted union that lasted 43 years, until Nicola’s passing in 2011. For many years, Christina was employed as a beautician in the Utica area. She was also a gifted singer who shared her beautiful voice in her church choir while living in Italy. Christina enjoyed cooking, knitting, and dancing with her brother Tony, and she especially loved sharing stories about her life and cherished memories. She possessed a warm and comforting presence that could light up any room she entered. Christina was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica.

     Mrs. Placanica is survived by her four loving children, Rita and Thomas Fuller of KY, Antoinette Placanica of Utica, Paola Motrynczuk of AZ, and Gino Placanica of Utica, who selflessly put his life on hold to lovingly care for his mother during the last six years of her life. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Katharina Fuller, Amanda Fuller, Andrea (Nathan) Miller, Chris Wilsey, Nick Wilsey, Gia Placanica, Jessica (Justin) Boyanton, Danielle Brindisi, Thomas Brindisi, Haley Motrynczuk, Briana Motrynczuk, Gino Placanica, Jr., Gianna Placanica, Noelle Placanica, Noah Placanica, and Nicholas Placanica. Christina is further survived by two brothers, Tony (Rosalie) DeSantis of Utica and Silvio DeSantis of Italy, along with several adored great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Besides her beloved husband, Nicola, and her parents, Ardunio and Carolina, Christina was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Chris Wilsey and several brothers and sisters.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. A prayer service will follow at 6:00 PM at the conclusion of visitation. Christina will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Calvary Cemetery in Utica.