Obituary of Carmela B Serrett

Carmela (Barbalace) Serrett GENEVA/PHELPS—Carmela (Barbalace) Serrett, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Geneva Living Center North. In honoring her wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. A private entombment was held on October 26 at the St. Mary's Mausoleum, Geneva, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, in St. Francis Chapel, at the Our Lady of Peace Parish Center, Center Street, Geneva, New York. Memorial contributions may be directed to the House of John, 14 Spring Street, Clifton Springs, New York 14432. Carmela was born on October 8, 1930, in Phelps, New York and was the daughter of the late Ralph and Frances (Pontorero) Barbalace. She graduated from Phelps High School, Class of 1948, majoring in Business. She spent her professional career as a bookkeeper, working for local businesses GLF Grain, Newark Commercial building/Quaker Hill Co., Phelps Cement Products; retiring from Canandaigua City Hall, as an account clerk for the treasurer's office. In retirement, she enjoyed working part-time for what is now Five Star Bank, keeping her vibrant, stimulated, and in touch with Geneva. Carmela married Michael Serrett in 1977. Together they enjoyed travel, especially afternoon drives along the countryside and a few weeks South in the winter. Dear to her heart were Friday nights at the American Legion, Big Bands at the Smith Opera House, the Yankees and Buffalo Bills, and holidays with family. She enjoyed Occupied Japan items, teddy bears, Sarah Coventry jewelry, craft shows, and keeping in touch with dear friends. Her life was fulfilled by being a dedicated wife, patient's rights advocate, volunteer at the Community Lunch Program, and active member of St. Francis Church, the Martha Ministry and Rosary Society. Above all, she enjoyed keeping track of all of her nieces' and nephews' lives, birthdays, and accomplishments, which she took great pride in. She also cherished friendships, making new ones while a resident of Seneca Lake Terrace and Geneva Living Center North, but never forgetting her "old ones." Carmela is survived by several nieces and nephews: Frances (Michael) Magill), Ralph (Donna) Barbalace, Tom Hedworth, Rosemary (Terry) Holland, Antoinette (Leonard) Buchakjian, Andrew (Debra) Bartucca, and many great and great great nieces and nephews, the newest Phyllimina Hedworth. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Serrett, brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Angelina (Miano) Barbalace, sister and brother-in-law Angelina (Barbalace) and Andrew Bartucca, niece, Phyllis(Barbalace) Hedworth, and many other family members and friends. A special thank you to Carmela's Community caregivers and staff at Seneca Lake Terrace and Geneva Living Center North.