It is with a peace that surpasses all understanding that the family of Caroline M. Blain announces her entrance into heaven on July 24, 2026. The trumpets sounded, and the angels came as she peacefully waited at home with family for her final trip into heaven. She was born on May 28, 1924, to Libro and Giovannina Patrecka “Jennie” Serino in Syracuse, New York. Caroline married Lovel A. Blain, Jr on September 22, 1945 and started her new adventure in Yorktown. If you were fortunate enough to know her, you were blessed with her storytelling of history, organizations, groups, and fellowships she contributed to and enjoyed during her years, including being a founding member of Western Days, and many years of mentoring at First National Bank. Caroline worked her way up to Vice President of First National Bank as well as Head Cashier, and loved to tell of her times when Lady Bird Johnson visited the bank. As the Matriarch of the family, Grandma was a model of strength and dignity and the guiding light and source of wisdom for five generations. She was a rare blend of brains and beauty and her sharing her smile with us brought joy that filled our hearts. Although her words weren’t always gentle, we already miss the “force” of a woman that instilled her wisdom with integrity and true grit. Grandma had the unique talent of teaching you a life lesson while keeping you laughing. Her sense of adventure, love of traveling, and zest for life inspired us all. She could play cards or dominoes with the best and enjoyed teaching her grandkids her tricks of the trade. Visits to her house always including perusing her collection of beautiful treasures. Grandma never missed a chance to dance, especially with her grandkids. She touched many lives and although her absence will be felt forever, her contributions will be everlasting. Her farewell to us is our goodbye to her “Don’t cry for me, sing for me, trust in Jesus and be happy. I will be watching you through the red birds and seeing you in heaven when Jesus comes again to take us home”
Waiting to welcome Caroline in Heaven are her parents, her husband “Dickie”, her son Lovel A. Blain, III, her daughter Janet Cooper, son in law Danny Cooper, her sisters, Mary and Carmella and her brothers, Dominick, Peter and Nunzio as well as several beloved in laws, nieces and nephews and her companion, John Wilkerson, and furry friend, Ginger
Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her children; daughter Patricia (Jerry) Nelson, son Robert (Letha) Blain, daughter in law Avis Blain, brother-in-law Ralph Marsello, 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Pall bearers are her grandsons; Brandon Blain, Britton Blain, Buck Blain, Bob Kubala, Kevin Nelson and Clinton Cooper. Honorary Pall bearers are her Granddaughters; Tammy Blain-Meyer, Caroline Nelson-Oller, Lori Stenger, Cara O Neill, Lynnie Jalufka, Amanda Rickman, and Alexis Cooper
Caroline is buried at Westside Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St Paul Lutheran Church, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church or donors’ choice.