Idella M. Guarino

            Mrs. Idella M. Guarino, 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 27 at Colonial Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Rome, NY.  She was formerly of Watertown, East Syracuse, Canton, and Chittenango.

            Idella was born in Oswegatchie, NY on February 24, 1936, the daughter of the late Fay and Stella (Bebee) Gotham. She graduated from Watertown High School and worked as a secretary for a short time after graduation. On June 28, 1958, Idella married the love of her life, Augustine J. Guarino, at St. Anthony’s Church, Watertown. They were married for 32 years before his death in 1991.

            Mrs. Guarino was a loving wife and mother who was always ready to provide hugs, kisses, and delicious food. She was a dedicated caregiver of her disabled son, Augustine A., and her ailing mother-in-law, Nellie. Idella was a devout Catholic who would volunteer to help during various parish activities at St. Patrick’s Church in Chittenango, NY.

            Idella is survived by three sons and their wives: Anthony and Sue of Canastota, Joseph and Juliette of DeKalb Junction, and Michael and Michele of Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren: Anthony Jr. of Canastota, Katelyn and Christian of DeKalb Junction, and Marc Anthony of Honolulu. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters: Fay (Cherlyn) Gotham, Harry (Barbara) Gotham, Alvin Gotham, Claude Gotham, Beverley Gibbs, Barbara (Jerry) Gaebel, and Eva Gotham, and several nieces and nephews. Idella was predeceased by her husband, Augustine J., a son, Augustine A., her sisters, Debbie and Shirley, and a brother, Lowell.

            An hour of calling will be held Monday, from 9 am-10 am at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, 135 Keyes Ave., Watertown., followed by a prayer service at 10:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am St. Anthony’s Church, Watertown with Reverend Christopher Looby officiating. Burial will be in the spring in Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 120 Washington Street, Suite 419, Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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