Cora Lee Mallette

Cora Lee Mallette, 60, of Syracuse, NY peacefully passed away on July 17, 2022 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born on March 11, 1962 in Detroit Rock City. As a young girl, the family moved to West Virginia for a number of years before finally settling in Chittenango NY where Cora became a lifelong resident of Central New York.

Predeceased by her mother, Joann Faatz of Mohawk, WV; her adoptive father, Robert Wade Mallette of Savannah, GA; Will and Cora Lester and Mary Hale of Premier, WV.

She leaves behind her sister, Robbin Mallette; nephews, Rafael, Xavier, RobertWade, Willis, and Alex (Catherine) their children, Farrah, Damien, Shelby 4th and baby Arya; Beloved Aunt Liz and Uncle Joe, Aunt Sue and Uncle Gary, and their children, Nick, Chris, Paul, Hope and Gary Jr. cousin, Leah Cook.

Cora's dedication to her community began in the 4th grade, joining Madison County 4H where she was a member of the "Cool Cat Club" through 12th grade and awarded Homemaker of the Year. Regardless of any club she joined (or refused to join) Cora continued to be the coolest cat around.

Her sensitivity, care, and unparalleled organizational skills provided an invaluable resource to her work in the hospitality and medical fields. She will be remembered fondly and missed desperately by those who relied upon her compassionate no-nonsense professionalism. She was silently in charge but never anyone's boss. Those who worked with her knew that they could rely on her ideas, humor, and ingenuity to get the job done properly. Common sense trumped protocol when necessary and Cora worked harder and had more common sense than anyone. Her most notable employers include Upstate Community General Hospital, The Marx Hotel and The Hotel Syracuse. The historic hotel held a particularly special place in her heart. She enjoyed sharing stories of her adventures there as well as her knowledge of its history and folklore.

Her compassionate nature extended well beyond her professional life. Cora volunteered regularly for the Meals on Wheels program. She was always able and willing to help friends in need and would even extend that help to friends of friends in need. If she could contribute in any way one could rely on Cora to "copy" what one needed and dedicate the effort and time to assist in any size project.

Cora was not just a taskmaster. She also knew how to have fun. She knew how to rock. She loved rock and roll and attending concerts. The first show she attended was Queen in 1981 and her last was Paul McCartney in 2022. In between there were countless road excursions and club gigs. She was one of those super-fans camped out in front of the box office in subzero weather the night before tickets went on sale in order to get front row seats. She was also one of the proud freaks in costume at the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Cora also pursued various conventional hobbies as well. Over the past few years, she was deeply involved in discovering her roots via genealogy. She found great pleasure in recovering and connecting with lost relatives and learning about the lives of her direct ancestors. Her pursuits even uncovered dozens of living cousins in the McDowell County area of West Virginia. Family was extremely important to Cora and the more of it she could find the more accomplished it made her feel.

She was a huge American History buff with a focus on local luminaries and events. Cora loved going on ghost tours at Oakwood Cemetery and visiting historic sites throughout the East Coast. Her amazing memory along with her talent for relaying historical facts and stories made her enthusiasm for history infectious.

Cora was a lover of nature, especially minerals and plants; to take a hike with her was both a relaxing and educational experience as she was able to identify most indigenous plants. She avidly collected decorative rocks and gems. Cora could often be found at Sterling Nature Center relaxing on the beach, swimming in Lake Ontario or simply exploring the trails and fauna. Astronomy was also an interest with a focus on the moon. She was always enthusiastic about witnessing astronomical events such as meteor showers and eclipses.

Cora was all about simple pleasures and appreciation for the beauty of everyday life. Those she touched will remember how enjoyable she could make a routine task, how she would lend additional meaning to the ordinary or mundane. When you remember Cora, take some of that enthusiasm and energy with you. Treat the world like Cora treated you. You will enhance everything around you like she did.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals on July 29, 2022 from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, Cora requests that you would consider a contribution to the organization closest to your heart.

To leave a message of condolence for Cora's family, or to share a special memory of Cora, visit the guestbook below.