HERKIMER: Giacinda A. "Jessie" (Lamanna) Whitney, 75, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford with the love and support of her family at her side. Born in Herkimer on September 29, 1939, Jessie was the daughter of the late Michael and Vera (Valente) Lamanna. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Herkimer High School Class of 1957. Upon graduation from high school, she began her employment with The Honorable James P. O'Donnell as a secretary and later worked for the Department of Motor Vehicle in Herkimer. Jessie lived for many years in Herkimer and also lived for over 30 years in Fairfield. On May 5, 1984 she married Richard "Dick" Whitney, Sr., with whom she shared 28 years prior to his passing on May 28, 2012. As a devoted couple, they were a perfect example of what a marriage should be. In 2009 the couple had a "25 Year Blessing" at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Parish of Herkimer that was officiated by The Reverend Anthony Ligato. Jessie was a generous, loving, caring woman who was always concerned about the needs of those she loved. She held a very special bond with her sisters. Thier family referred to them as "The Golden Girls", and they could often be found at the casino. At one time she was the Grand President of the National Organization of Beta Chi, was an avid bowler, and loved the Dallas Cowboys. The blessings of God upon her life were found in her spirituality and devotion to St. Anthony. A communicant of Sts. Anthony & Joseph Parish of Herkimer, she was also a member of the Crafty Ladies, Christian Services Committee, a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She is survived by her children, Donna Whitney of Herkimer and her companion Don Foor, Richard Whitney, Jr. of Herkimer; a special niece of whom she thought of as a daughter, Jacklyn Whitney and her companion Adam Lawrence; her grandsons, Adrian Sky and Gabriel Lawrence; her sisters and brothers-in law, Carm and Tony Trimboli, Pat and Dom Petucci and Rose Marie Lamanna all of Herkimer and a brother-in-law, Jack Whitney and his companion Hazel Hyney of Canajoharie. She is also survived by her special nieces and nephews, Ann Marie and David Barr, Michelle and James Barrett, Michael and Colleen Petucci, Scott and Dina Petucci, Nicole and Kyle Shirvani, her special great-nephews, nieces, numerous cousins and many special close friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Clemente Lamanna. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 beginning at 8:30 AM from the chapel of the funeral home and at 9:00 AM from the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, Main Street, Herkimer, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by The Reverend Quy Vo, Pastor. Procession will then follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer where she will be laid to rest in the family plot. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday, May 29, 2015 from 4 to 7 PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, (F.K.A. Holleran Funeral Service) 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011 . The family is being cared for and guided by Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors.