Carmella B. (Sweet) Walawender

Carmella Barbara Walawender, age 97, a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 21, 2023 at the Masonic Care Community of CNY where she has been a resident these past few years. At the time of her passing she had the love and support of her beloved family at her bedside.

Born on July 28, 1926, Carmella was the daughter of the late Joseph and Philomena (Petrolina) Saporito-Sweet. She was raised in Herkimer and attended local schools.

On July 9, 1946, Carmella was united in marriage with Andrew Frank Walawender and they shared in a devoted union of over fifty-one years until Andrew’s passing on April 9, 1998. Together, they raised their children and built a loving family.

For many years, Carmella was employed at the Little Frocks dress factory in Little Falls, from which she retired. Her primary focus, however, was always on the well-being of her husband, children and grandchildren.

She showed her love by feeding the soul and was always busy in her kitchen. She absolutely loved baking pies and would make them for family, friends and just about everyone in the neighborhood! At Thanksgiving time she was even notorious for calling her loved ones and taking orders; her house was a revolving door of pickups at holiday time! She was gifted in both Italian and Polish cuisines and her family will forever try to live up to her talents!

Carmella is survived by her children, Judy Walawender and Walter “Wally” and his wife, Dolores “Dee” Walawender, all of Herkimer; forever in her heart was the memory of her beloved daughter, Donna Warner, who passed away on October 3, 2022. She also leaves her son-in-law, Harold Warner of Ilion; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

Aside from her husband and daughter, Carmella was predeceased by all of her siblings, inclusive to: Bill Saporito, Tony Saporito, Charles Sweet, Angelo Sweet, Michael Sweet, Nicholas Sweet, Joseph Sweet, Rosie Martin, Frances Bianco, Pearl Rulewicz and Josephine Tartaglia; and by her in-laws, Judy Palumbo, Benny Walawender, Frances Ciano and Ted Walawender.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000.

Carmella’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning, September 27, 2023 at 9:15AM at the funeral home and at 10:00AM at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church in Herkimer where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Thomas Babiuch, Pastor. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery where her earthly remains will be laid to rest with her husband.

A special thank you is extended to the caregivers of the Amherst Household at Masonic Care Community of CNY for the excellent compassion and care shown to Carmella and her family these last years. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in her memory to Masonic Care Community of CNY, 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY 13501. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Walawender family has entrusted the care of their beloved mother to the Enea, Ciaccia and Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .