Cecilia Elisabeth Ambrosini, a Wappingers Falls Resident, Dies at 85

Cecilia Elisabeth Ambrosini passed away on November 5, 2017.

Cecilia was born on December 3, 1931 in Winterthur, Switzerland. She was the youngest child of Gustav Mueller and Frieda Mueller-Loetscher. She attended primary, secondary and nursing school in her native Switzerland before emigrating to New York in 1957.

Two weeks after arriving in New York City, Cecilia married Fernando Ambrosini, also from Switzerland. They lived briefly in Poughkeepsie and Rosendale, and then spent the past 53 years living in Wappingers Falls where she raised her seven children. Cecilia worked as a nurse at various health care facilities including Vassar Brothers Hospital, Central Dutchess Nursing Home and Greystone Residential Home. After her husband Fernando passed away in 1974, she continued to work and provide a nurturing and loving home for her seven children, sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild and another on the way. She retired in 1997. Since then she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and volunteering in many ways: in schools, in religious education programs, with those who had special needs and for Meals on Wheels.

Cecilia was an active member of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church in LaGrangeville. She was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wappingers Falls, Newburgh and St. Columba in Hopewell Junction. She enjoyed many summer picnics and swimming in the family pool, vacations with her family in Cape Cod, camping and traveling cross country, and visiting with family and friends in Switzerland. She was an avid bird watcher, and enjoyed card games and board games of all kinds with family. Cecilia was also an avid Yankees fan.

She is survived by her children Barbara Kierstead, Martin and wife Debbie Ambrosini, Christian and wife Kathy Ambrosini, Flavio Ambrosini, David and wife Toni Ambrosini, Francis and wife Gina Ambrosini, Heidi Reale and husband Peter. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Elizabeth and husband Jonathan Rodan and baby to come, Maria and James Kierstead; Brett and wife Sue, and daughter Taylor, Darrel Ambrosini; Benjamin Ambrosini; Michael, Matthew, Rebecca and Melissa Ambrosini; Steven and Mia Ambrosini; Samantha Ambrosini; and Zachary, Annemarie and Nathaniel Reale. She is also survived by her sister Annemarie from Switzerland. She was predeceased by her eldest sister Magda and brother Gusti.

Friends are welcome to join with family for calling hours on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville followed by interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wappingers Falls.

In lieu of flowers, Cecilia’s wish is that everyone spend quality time with family in her memory, and to keep bird feeders filled this winter. Please visit Cecilia’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.