Mrs. Giovanna (Marchese) Lamanna, age 55, of East Herkimer, beloved wife of Carmen "Charlie" Lamanna and a Little Falls Central School Teacher, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon, September 13, 2003. Her untimely passing occurred as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born on May 9, 1948 in San Guiseppe Jato, Italy, a daughter of Salvatore Marchese who passed away on June 4, 1997 and Croce (LaMilia) Marchese who passed away on June 24, 1998. She received her education in Little Falls schools and furthered her education by attending Herkimer County Community College and Oneonta State University. On September 16, 1972, she married Carmen "Charlie" Lamanna with whom she shared a blessed union of over 30 years and would have celebrated their 31st Anniversary today. Throughout their union, Giovanna and Charlie grew great strength from one another and from their mutual devotion. They truly enjoyed a relationship that was admired and respected. For 21 years she was an educator in the Little Falls City School District until ill health prevented her from continuing her duties. Her students and co-workers admired her good nature, encouraging comments and her gentle and sensitive wisdom she provided. Giovanna lived for her students. She graciously took on the role of organizing trips to Italy for many to enjoy and for many years ran the Yorker Club in Little Falls High School. She began her teaching career in Little Falls in September of 1983 and received tenure as a Social Studies teacher on September 1, 1986 and taught 8th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade. Mrs. Lamanna was a former member of the High School Building Planning Team and was awarded a Multinational and Comparative Education Scholarship for Global Studies teachers to participate in a study trip to German in 1997. She was also responsible for having Holocaust survivor Helen Sperling present a program for the students and staff at Little Falls High School. As a tribute to Mrs. Lamanna's hard work and constant dedication to the school, the class of 2003 dedicated the school year book to her. She was a faithful member of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls and religion always came first in her life. As a dedicated wife, mother, sister and teacher, Giovanna focused her loved ones upon her own unshakable values and principles, and she taught them to believe in themselves and to strive to be the best that they could be. Any get-together where she was involved became joyful and memorable occasions simply because Giovanna placed her distinctive and loving touch upon the gathering. She had a unique and memorable personal flair for entertaining and hospitality. Any such gatherings of family and friends would serve as the perfect showcase her fun-loving personality and wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed using her excellent baking skills for her family's pleasure and also enjoyed arranging flowers. Giovanna was the perfect Italian mother and, as such, will be forever remembered in the hearts and memories of her family, friends, students and co-workers. She leaves her beloved husband Charlie, at home, her mother in law, Frances Lamanna of Little Falls, a beloved son, Lonnie Lamanna of Amsterdam, two loving daughters, Francesca Ross and husband Scott of Harriman, Marisa Lamanna of Herkimer, four wonderful brothers, Thomas Marchese and wife Ina of Little Falls, Vincent Marchese and wife Cathy of Little Falls, Peter Marchese and wife Rita of Herkimer, Anthony Marchese and wife Kathleen of Utica and a loving and devoted sister, Maria Sciortino and husband John of Mohawk, two brothers-in-law Lawrence Lamana of Little Falls and John Lamana and wife Sandy of Dolgeville, one sister-in-law Charie Bisson and husband Peter of Brewerton, NY, numerous cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles and cousins in Italy and all of Giovanna's dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents and her father in law, Leonard Lamanna. Calling hours at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street between Frankfort and Ilion will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2003 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Giovanna's funeral will commence at 9:45 am on Friday morning, Sept. 19 from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered thence to Holy Family Parish, Little Falls where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am by the Rev. Charles R. Celeste, pastor. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where she will be laid to rest. Kindly consider contribution's in honor of Mrs. Lamanna to the American Cancer Society, the Giovanna Lamanna Scholarship Fund or to the Holy Family Parish Restoration Fund, envelopes are available at the funeral home. In addition, please keep Giovanna's family, especially her daughters and son in law in your hearts and prayers, for they will need it the most.