Elisabethe "Bette" Coria

Elisabethe Carmela “Bette” Coria, 97, passed away, with loved ones by her side, in her own home, on Monday, March 1, 2021.

Bette was born in Utica, October 31, 1923, the fifth daughter of the late Nicola and Gaetana (Acerenza) Coria (Coiro). She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, class of 1941, and the Utica School of Commerce, class of 1942, with a business diploma.

She began her career at Engel’s Equipment Co., first as a clerk, and eventually as Office Manager, for over 25 years, until their closing. Bette went on to work as Executive Secretary for the Savings Bank of Utica, for over 23 years, until her retirement November 30, of 1987. She took early retirement to care for her mother, and eventually her two older sisters.

An avid traveler, both in the U.S. and abroad, Bette especially enjoyed many trips to Arizona, Las Vegas, NV, and the New York City area, visiting the homes of her nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Bette will always remember her love for her family, her home, and her beloved St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she was a Eucharistic Minister, Sacristy Committee member, Treasurer of the St. Ann’s Society for over 30 years, and also a member of the Mt. Carmel Society, as well as, a member of the Tuesday night Rosary group.

Bette never married, however, following her sister Lucy’s death, in 1963, she spent weekends in Syracuse with her 4 nieces and nephew, bringing them to Utica, in the summers to visit.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents; baby brother, Frankie Coria; her sisters, M. Melanie Coria, OSF, Josie Morreale, Lucy Flannery, and Antoinette Austin; nephew, Francis Morreale; and niece, Melanie Flannery.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Patrick Flannery, Godchild Bernadette and George Jackson, Celine Beers, Mary Lourdes Flannery, Patricia Morreale, John Beers, and Harry Filomena (her prayer partner); great nieces and great nephews, Catherine and Zachary Harris, Melanie Rose Beers and Frank Vuoli, Lucy Flannery Gilbert, and James and Lori Flannery; great great nieces and great great nephews, Caiden, Katie, Ava and Sophia; Godchildren, Mark Cacozza and Nancy Harding; her good and faithful friends, Rosemary Chiffy, Edith Poccia (for over 88 years), and Inez Paraveti, and many others too numerous to mention; her special friend, Maribell; and many cherished cousins.

The family wishes to thank Bette’s doctor, Naji El Khoury, MD, for his many years of dedicated and attentive care.

In Bette’s memory, please consider donations to the St. Ann Society (of Mt. Carmel Church). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

Bette’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 10th, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, with interment in St. Agnes Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, March 9th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica. The church and funeral home are working at limited capacity. Masks covering your nose and mouth, social distancing and registration for Covid tracing will be required for all services. Please arrive a little early to church to allow time for registration. During these trying times, messages on our website are a great source of comfort for the family.

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