November 29, 1939 - April 17, 2010

ILION-Mrs. Ann E. (Palmer) Vivacqua, age 70, of West River Dr., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, April 17, 2010 in the comfort of her home after a courageous battle with cancer. At the time of her passing she had the comfort of her children by her side and the rosary being recited.

She was born in Ilion on November 29, 1939, daughter of the late Elmer J. and M. Lillian (Brothers) Palmer and graduated from Ilion High School. She furthered her education and began following her dream of becoming a teacher attending Herkimer County Community college, Saratoga Empire State College, and finally Oneonta State University eventually obtaining her certification in elementary education. Her last professional employment was with Annunciation Catholic School as a 2nd grade teacher and served in the same capacity formerly with St. Mary’s Academy in Little Falls. Ann was also employed as the first woman foreman for Remington Arms, Ilion. Her marriage to Fred Vivacqua took place in Annunciation Church, Ilion. He passed away November 12, 2008. Mrs. Vivacqua was a strong and faithful Catholic belonging to Annunciation Church, Ilion. Religion was very important to her. She was past regent for the Catholic Daughters.

Survivors include her children: Donald Vivacqua and wife Lorraine of Falls Church, Virginia, Maryjo Pedersen and husband Tom of Ilion, Ritamarie Vivacqua of Ilion; sister: Mary Murphy and husband Bill of Ilion; in laws: Jeanne Marie Palmer of Rome and Juliann Palmer of Ilion; two adored grandchildren: Trinity Ann and Taylor Alexis; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by brothers: Richard B. Palmer and Michael H. Palmer and by a sister, Margaret.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., between Ilion and Frankfort on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from 4-7 p.m. Mrs. Vivacqua's funeral will commence at 9:15 on Wed., April 21st from the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from the Church of the Annunciation, West Street, Ilion where the Rev. Leo Potvin, will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial, assisted by Deacon James Bower. Interment will take place at a later date in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion.

Members of the Catholic Daughters will conduct a service at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. The family offers their deepest gratitude to the staff of At Home Care and Hospice Care, Inc. for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of floral tributes, kindly consider contributions to Hospice Care, Inc; envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family is being served by Mrs. Vivacqua’s former second grade student, Daniel J. Enea, funeral director.