Marie Iaconetti, 97, Bridge player, church member
PHILMONT—Marie Josephine Howe Iaconetti, of Chatham, died April 7, 2011 at the Pine Haven Nursing Home.
She was born in the Bronx, October 30, 1913, the daughter of Jeremiah and Frances (Rosene) Howe.
She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in New York City and the College of New Rochelle. After graduation, Mrs. Iaconetti worked as a sales representative for a baby food company and later in the security department of Macy’s in New York City.
She enjoyed her flower gardens, watching birds and visits from her neighbors and friends. For many years, Mrs. Iaconetti played bridge with a close group of friends and was a member of the Chatham Women’s Club, St. James Catholic Church and her loyal, caring morning church group, which provided her with spiritual strength, cherished memories and many great friendships.
Mrs. Iaconetti is survived by her son, Francis Iaconetti and his wife Elizabeth of Chatham; a daughter, Patricia Davey and her husband Thomas of Keeseville; a daughter, Margo Storey and her husband John of Kinderhook; six grandchildren, Kathryn Bozik and her husband Patrick of Columbia, SC, Margaret Iaconetti of East Greenbush, Michael Davey and his wife Heidi of Plattsburgh, Stephen Davey of Mount Pleasant, SC, Emily Storey of Montreal, Canada, Benjamin Storey of Albany; two great-grandchildren, Molly and Lauren Davey of Plattsburgh; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank Iaconetti; her brothers, Joseph and Raymond Howe; and her sister, Helen Ritzel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral home in Chatham.
As per her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church in Chatham, Saturday, April 30 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Columbia County OFA Nutrition Program, 325 Columbia Street, Hudson 12534 for the Meals-on-Wheels Program or to the Chatham Food Pantry, c/o Julie Alexander, Main Street, Chatham 12037.
Rosemarie Elliott, 68, Ghent town clerk, trusted Jesus
GHENT—Rosemarie N. Elliott, 68, of Ghent died peacefully at home, April 21.
She was born May 3, 1942 in Queens, the daughter of the late Werner and Anna Nagel.
She graduated from Newtown High School, Queens and worked as a clerk for Banker’s Trust in New York City. Later, she was a secretary in the biochemistry department of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; the Multi-Color Corp. in Hatfield, MA; Columbia Corporation in Chatham; then served as deputy clerk for nine-and-a-half years until she became Ghent town clerk/tax collector.
She attended municipal training classes and obtained her Registered Municipal Clerk certification and also attended classes at Cornell Municipal Clerks Institute, where she obtained her Certified Municipal Clerk certification. She was a member of the New York State Town Clerks Association and International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She lived in Ghent since May 1976.
Mrs. Elliott was active in the 4-H program in Columbia County serving as leader of the Crafty Clovers Club for four years. She enjoyed crafts and quilting, which lead her to begin the Toddler Cuddle Quilts ministry through Cornerstone Fellowship Church and the Payn Foundation. Over 750 quilts were sent all over the world in Jesus’ name through the ministry. This ministry extended to children visiting the Columbia County Fair. There youngsters had the chance to design a square to be later used for the quilts. Over 3,000 squares have been designed so far.
Mrs. Elliott continued her ministry work assisting with day camps in Westport and Vacation Bible School at local churches where she helped children make crafts that shared the Gospel of Christ.
All who knew her admired her patient cheerfulness and quietness of heart in the midst of long-suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She attributed her state of mind to her decision to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and her dependence on the Scriptures for strength.
She is survived by her loving husband and caregiver, “Lee” to whom she was married for 34 years; daughters, Leah Elliott of Wilmington, DE and Krista Elliott Ginn of Lancaster, PA; and her caring brother, Walter Nagel of Oneonta.
When Mrs. Elliott was asked what keeps her going, she replied, “There’s someone special in my life. His name is Jesus. He loves me. He loves you, too. You can know Him as well.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Community Hospice, The Albany/St. Peter’s Regional ALS Center, or the Ghent Food Pantry.
A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced. Online condolences may be sent at www.frenchblasl.com.