Schenectady – Evelyn Caggiano, 76 died suddenly at her home on Friday, April 12, 2008. She waas born on July 24, 1931 in Granville and graduated from Granville High School in 1948 at the age of 16.
Evelyn attended Union University School of Nursing at Albany Medical College. She trained at Brady Hospital as a child-care technician, where she worked for many years. Evelyn also worked at the former Hallmark Nursing Home as an activities leader. Her most meaningful work however was that of a homemaker. Her family was her life. Evelyn married Matthew Caggiano on September 24, 1955. They were married for over 52 years.
Evelyn was very involved in the Schenectady community. She held the position of PTSO president of Linton High School and Central Park Middle School. Evelyn also served on many committees, and was a volunteer for Schenectady Hospice.
Evelyn was a member of the Schenectady Melodears for over 35 years. She had served a president, mentor, lyricist, friend and confidant. The Melodears were a very special part of her life. She loved music immensely. Evelyn’s creative flair, lively conversation, pretty lavender outfits, witty prose, and heartfelt compassion will surely be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Evelyn is survived by her husband Matthew Caggiano of Schenectady; daughters Mary Frances Caggiano of Schenectady, Kathleen Caggiano-Siino, and her husband John Siino of Guilderland, Regina Hart and husband Paul Hart, of Snellville, Ga., Lyn Caggaino-Cresswell, and husband Justin Cresswell of Albany. Evelyn was the proud grandmother of her 6 loving grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Nicole, Marisa, Julia, and baby Lily.
Evelyn is survived by her brother Joseph Smith and his wife Patricia; sister-in-laws Patricia Smith, Victoria Smith; also Joseph and Janet Allegretti, and Peter and Colleen Kajano. Evy was a proud (second mom) to many of her daughter’s girlfriends through the years.
Evelyn is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Lillian Smith. She was a loving sister to her deceased siblings, William Smith, Gordon Smith, Gertrude Dedrick, and George Smith.
Visiting hours were held from 5 to7 p.m. on Sunday April 13, at Daly’s Funeral Home at 242 McClellan Street in Schenectady. A funeral service was held on Monday morning at at the Daly Funeral Home and at St. Luke’s Church, where a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated. Burial was at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Middle Granville, after the church service.
Contributions may be made to Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation,, 317 S. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 or the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St. Schenectady, NY 12305.
