ANN MARIE OLIVIA PALLADINO

Ann Marie Palladio lived in Syracuse all her life. She was born in May of 1929 to Margaret and Patrick Olivia and was one of seven children. She and her husband, Anthony, had one son, Stephen, who in turn would make Ann Marie the proud grandmother of two special granddaughters whom she loved to dote on.

Ann Marie found a breast lump in 1993 by self examination. She had a radical mastectomy and it was believed all had been removed, so no additional treatment was administered. Just one short year later the cancer returned in the breast wall and she underwent radiation therapy. During this time, when possible, she participated in breast cancer events. She held on to the hope that a breakthrough was imminent. She feared a loved one might also develop the disease. (She would never know her fear was realized in 1999, when her sister, Lorraine, would be diagnosed with breast cancer too!) For the next few years , until her death in 1997, Ann Marie fought cancer with every available tool, saddened to leave those she loved behind.

Ann Marie loved people and made new friends wherever she went. She was a warm, considerate, caring woman whose sincerity endeared her to all. Her home was always open to all that knew her. Entertaining was one of her passions and she did it with ease. She loved to organize functions and spend time with her two granddaughters. She was soft spoken and her first love was her family. She also enjoyed the Syracuse University basketball games. She attended the games decked out as any ardent fan would be: wearing earrings, hats and sweaters, reflecting her heartfelt enthusiasm for SU sports.

Ann Marie was a loving lady with many complex roles. She lived her life without fanfare and never needed thanks or praise for the charitable acts she performed. Her sister likes to tell a story about how selfless Ann Marie was: After her 60th or 70th radiation treatment she drove home a very pale and tired looking Ann, telling here to lie down and rest, which she agreed to do. They made a date the next day to go for another treatment. However, the next morning the phone rang and Ann Marie said she was in the hospital – not for herself, but her neighbor. No one else was available so she went in the ambulance with her ill friend, stayed by her side and held her hand. She sensed that the woman needed companionship and support, and found all her inner strength to provide it!

Her wish was that a cure would be close at hand. Also, not to forego additional treatment after a mastectomy, in hopes that it might prolong a woman’s life. Ann Marie will long be remembered for her heart of gold.