FULTON, NY – Cecilia Puni “Tutu” Cortini, 90, of Fulton, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, on Tuesday March 22, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Pahoa, Hawaii, Cecilia was born on March 11, 1926, and was raised in true Hawaiian tradition by her grandparents.
She came to New York in 1953 with her first husband, Ben, and two sons, Eric and Makaala Wolven, eventually settling in Fulton.
Cecilia married Joseph Cortini in 1957 and worked alongside him in the family shoe business.
She was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed gardening, reminding us last week to start the plants indoors.
She traveled often to her native Hawaii and to Europe to visit family and sightsee.
Cecilia was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fulton as well as Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
Perhaps most important was her love of music; she was accomplished on both the piano and ukulele and she often shared this with her children and grandchildren.
Cecilia was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Joseph Cortini, in 2006; her son, Eric Wolven, in 2005; her brother, Bernard Prescott, in 1974; and her former husband, Benjamin Wolven in 1980.
Survivors include her sons, Makaala H. Wolven (Sasha Sirovec) of Luxembourg, Joseph Cortini Jr (Beth Ann Dice) of Fulton and Kimo Cortini (Kelly) of Jamesville; grandchildren, Bess Clarke, Amos, Ben and Martha Wolven, Jake and Damiano Cortini, and Joseph P. Cortini; as well as three great-grandchildren; brother, William Prescott of Waianae, Hawaii; and several cousins including Josie and Alberta and nieces and nephews throughout the world.
Calling hours will be held 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay St., Fulton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 28, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, corner of Rochester and South Third streets, Fulton.
Please consider a donation to The Fulton Music Association c/o Marion Hill, 90 Worth St., Fulton, NY 13069.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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Joe and family…
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Know that I’m thinking of you in your grief.
Henry Willcox
Joe and family my husband and I are sending our prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Charles and Audrey Avery
Sorry to read of your loss, Kimo & Joe, prayers for you and your families in this time of sorrow.
Dear Joe and Family.: I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing – just saw the video of her the other day Thinking she was doing better . I will always see her smile in yours Joe — you were such a great loving and caring son to her and know she was so proud of ya alls love of music. Prayers for you and Joe as it will be an adjustment not having her there with you. I would attend if I was there. Love and prayers to the whole family. She is now with your Dad.
Eva & Family
Kimo & Joe……Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.
Janet & Joe Sczupak
My deepest condolences to Kimo on your Mom’s passing.
Will always remember her smile and upbeat attitude. Sorry to hear about your loss.
Joe, Kimo and family, so very sorry to read of Cecelia’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and I felt honored caring for her in her time of need. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family . take care. Jackie and Chuck Winterhalt