Lena “Lee” Cherkis

Elmira: Age 88, died at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Lena was born May 3, 1922, a daughter of Thomas and Maryanna (Carrescia) Caroscio. She was predeceased by her husband John P. Cherkis on January 2, 2011. Lena is also predeceased by her son John T. Cherkis, daughters-in-law, Kim Rudy Cherkis and Terry Nist Cherkis Doud, brother William Caroscio, brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Mary (Lockern) Caroscio, brothers-in-law, Anthony Maio and Henry Novick. She is survived by her children, Ann Cherkis, Mary Cherkis Donahue, and Joseph Cherkis (Jennifer Corrao), all of Elmira; grandchildren, Christopher Cherkis, Christin (Eric) Bresett; great grandson Caleb Bresett; sisters, Mary Maio, Dorene Novick; sister-in-law Edith Caroscio; along with several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Lee was a homemaker and a retiree of the Elmira City School District where she worked as a library aide. She enjoyed being outside, working in her garden and filling the bird feeder, then watching the birds come and feed. Lee took great joy in her time spent with her grandchildren and great grandson. She was a faithful communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she was a member of the Sacred Heart Society. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of W. Water and Walnut Sts., on Friday, March 4, 2011 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 9:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at Ss. Peter & Paul Church. Interment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery. Lee’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Robert Mauri, her caregivers, Maria Regina Miller Gublo, Connie Judd, Margaret Keenan, the AOMC staff, especially those in the ICU, and on 3C and 4B, Meals On Wheels, and to Father Rick Farrell for the care and concern provided to their mother during her illness. Those wishing may remember Lee with a donation to Blessed Sacrament Parish, 604 Park Place, Elmira, NY 14901.

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