CANASTOTA . . .

Beverly Jean Tornatore, 80, formerly of 221 West Hickory Street, Canastota, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at her apartment at the Sitrin Health Community, New Hartford, following a lengthy illness.

She was born on April 28, 1943, in Canastota, the daughter of the late Charles and Grace (McCombie) Allen.

Bev grew up in the Chittenango and Chittenango Station area, attending school there. She lived in Canastota for fifty years, before moving to the Sitrin Community in 2021.

She was a waitress at Friendly's Restaurant in Fayetteville for twenty-five years, retiring in 2002. She had previously worked at several area restaurants, including the former White Elephant Restaurant in Canastota, and Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia.

Bev was a communicant of St. Agatha's Church in Canastota.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting, camping, bowling, playing BINGO, cards, and board games. Bev, also, enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports, their chorus, band concerts, and plays. She was involved in Girl Scouts when she was young, and as a leader when her children were young.

Bev married Gilbert J. "Gib" Tornatore on June 2, 1967, in Canastota. Gilbert passed away on September 12, 2015.

Surviving are: three daughters and two sons-in-law, Debra Tornatore of Kirkville, Elena and Michael Beyer of Apalachin, NY, and Therese and Steven Ohlbaum of Whitesboro; one son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Michelle Tornatore of Holly Springs, NC; six grandchildren, Thomas Beyer, Ryan Johnston, Robyn Beyer, Kyle Johnston, Zach Beyer, and Sam Beyer; two sisters, Grace Hall, and Barbara Vollmer, both of Minoa; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bev was predeceased by one sister, Carol Butler.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. James Buttner will officiate. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota.

In her memory, please consider making a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, with envelopes available at the funeral home.