Anna M. Ionta, 96, of Utica, affectionately known as "Anna Banana, My Mom", passed away Monday, November 27, 2017 at Utica Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. She was born September 17, 1921, in Utica, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Marose Amendola and was a member of the first graduating class at Proctor High School in 1939. She was employed with Neiser's Department Store in downtown Utica, where she met her future husband. On April 17, 1945, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Utica, she married Silvio D. Ionta, a loving union of 62 years. She later worked with Commercial Traveler's Insurance, retiring in 1986. Her beloved husband passed away December 29, 2007. Anna was the family "caretaker", caring for her mother for many years until she passed away. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and sister and always kept an immaculate home. Mrs. Ionta was a member of the US Postal Service Auxiliary. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Joseph Caruso of Utica; three granddaughters, Deborah Caruso of Syracuse, Gina Caruso of San Antonio, TX and Kelly Caruso Sink and her companion, Patrick Askew of Albany; two great grandchildren, Caleb and Chloe Rose Sink; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Dominick Amendola. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 AM in the Chapel of the Utica Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 2535 Genesee Street, Utica. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 5-7 pm at the Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of the Utica Rehabilitation & Nursing Center and St. Joseph's Nursing Home for the many years of wonderful and compassionate care given to Anna. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a charity of your choice in Anna's