Marlene F. Pianka

Marlene F. (Zongrone) Pianka 1931 - 2017
Loving Mother and So Much More
UTICA - Mrs. Marlene F. (Zongrone) Pianka, age 86, was reunited with her husband when she passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at The Pines at Utica with the love of family in her heart.
Born in Utica on January 6, 1931, Marlene was the daughter of the late James "John" and Mildred (Martoccio) Zongrone. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1949. Marlene started her working career at the State Street Mill clothing store. Then she met her love, and on June 11, 1955 she married Theodore R. Pianka and shared with him 35 years in a devoted union founded on traditional family values, unconditional love, and the blessing of their children. Her beloved Ted passed away on October 28, 1990.
Marlene's role as the matriarch of her family was the mainstay of her life. Her home was sunny and comfy, and she raised her children and cared for her home with love. She then re-entered the workplace as a teacher's aide and bus monitor for the Utica City School District. Marlene will always be remembered for her loving ways, kind heart, and great words of wisdom. She was a role model of motherhood and nurtured, protected, and cared for her children with the love, guidance, and the good food they needed. She enjoyed crocheting and created beautiful hand-crafted afghan's and accessories made with love. She relaxed to the rhythms and smooth lyrics of Frank Sinatra and enjoyed watching classic movies. She also had cherished memories of Tuesday card night with family and friends. She was a member of The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul's Church.
Marlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Eilene and Frank Spartano of Marcy; her sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Debi Pianka of GA, Mark and Kathy Pianka and family of Russia, NY, and Christopher Pianka of Whitesboro; her grandchildren, Gianna, and Frank Spartano; Kristin Barnhill and her husband Jeff, Joy, and David Pianka; Morgan Pianka and Jim; Cal, and Gabriella Pianka; and her great-grandchild, Elizabeth Barnhill. She also leaves a special friend, Shirley Palmon and her family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:30 at The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul's Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Thomas Durant. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) or the Alzheimer's/Dementia Association; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Online tributes at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.