Angela Isabel

Angela “Angie” M. Isabel, 82, of Lincoln Avenue, Amsterdam, New York, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 5, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam.

Angela was born Jan. 19, 1931, to Carmela (Politano) and Benedict Zegarelli. She was one of fourteen children. She attended local schools and graduated from Wilbur M. Lynch High School in her youth.

On September 17, 1955, Angela was united into matrimony to Gerard D. Isabel; a marriage that lasted 57 years. Gerard “Pup” passed away Jan.12, 2012. They had three sons; Alex, Benji, and Gerard.

In 1972, she started her second career as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone (NYNEX). She worked long hours and split shifts in the Amsterdam office, for many years. Angela was promoted to Draftsman and commuted to Menands, NY; for many years. She retired (much deserved) in the early 90’s.

After retirement, Angie’s grandchildren: Elizabeth, David, Laura, Tony, and Pennie, became her pride and joy. She was at her happiest when she was watching or spending time with them. She loved them; as well as her daughters-in-law (Stormy and Linda); as if they were her own. “A Grandmother’s love is the greatest gift one can receive”.

Our mother made our life her focal point. She made a lot of personal sacrifices, so that we had the best. Her love was the glue that kept the family together. She had tough love for us when she needed to. As parents now, we realize that “tough love” is tougher on the parents, than on the children. Our mother was always proud of us and her love was never ending.

Angie was well known for her homemade lasagna and cheese cakes.

Angela was predeceased by her husband; Gerard “Pup” Isabel, her parents, her sister, Claire (Istorico), her brothers Frank, Anthony, Dominick, Carmen, and Albert.

She is survived by her three loving sons: Alex (Stormy) of Tribes Hill, NY; Benedict of Amsterdam, Gerard (Linda) of Amsterdam; her loving grandchildren Elizabeth, David, Laura, Anthony, and Pennie, her sisters Rose of Sarasota, FL., Connie, Georgianna, JoAnne, and Nancy of Birmingham, AL., her brothers Joseph (Brenda) of Birmingham, AL., and Ben of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam.

Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Amsterdam.

Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY, 12010.