Camilla M. St. Lucia

Albany-Camilla M. “Mae” (Falzano) St. Lucia, age 95, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, Guilderland, NY, on January 2, 2017, with family by her side. Camilla was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, on March 6, 1921, to the late Amico and Eliza (Belfiglio) Falzano. As a kind and gentle woman all of her life, Mae showed amazing love for her family, her Catholic faith, and her friends. Mae is gone from us on earth to be reunited with her loving husband, Charles H. “Charlie” St. Lucia, who passed away in June 2008. Mae and Charlie were united in marriage during World War II at St. Anthony’s Church, Albany, on August 29, 1943. Together in marriage for nearly 65 years, they enjoyed and shared their lives, dedicated to each other and their family. Mae graduated from Albany High School in 1939. During World War II, she served as a Red Cross Nurses Aide, working nights and weekends at Albany Hospital (now Albany Medical Center). Mae also worked for the State of New York, in the Education Department as well as the Department of Taxation and Finance. For many years, she worked part-time in retail sales and as a bookkeeper while raising her family. She returned to work for the NYS Department of Audit and Control (now the State Comptroller’s Office) and retired in 1983 as a Senior Payroll Audit Clerk after twenty-four years of service. Mae was a member of All Saints Catholic Church parish (formerly St. Margaret Mary’s) and its Seniors Group. She was also a member of the Civil Service Employees Association and participated in a family bowling league for many years. Her cooking and baking skills were amazing – green bean salad; family Italian Christmas cookies; Pizzelle waffle cookies; meatballs and sauce; baked chicken (some of these “secret recipes”). Beautiful crocheted afghans, knitted mittens and scarves, and embroidered linens showed Mae’s artistic skills. Along with Charlie, she took loving care of, listened to, talked with, read to, played with, and taught her children and grandchildren with loving pride and tenderness. Beloved mother of JoAnne Burnside and her husband Raymond of Colonie; Charles St. Lucia, Jr. and his wife Catherine of Delmar; and Lisa Maio and her husband Anthony of Colonie. Cherished Grandma of Matthew St. Lucia (Lindsay); Daniel Burnside; Erica St. Lucia Hogan (Stephen); Alison Burnside; Carley St. Lucia Burke (Brendan); Julie, Anthony and Nicholas Maio; and four great-grandchildren, Colin and Nathan St. Lucia and Camilla and Charlie Burke. Also surviving Mae are beloved sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Lena Campagna, Ann Armento, Beatrice Flood, Joan Drozd and husband Ronald, and Carmel “Dolly” St. Lucia, and her brother, Guido Falzano. Many special nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her husband and parents, Mae was predeceased by her loving Falzano brothers and their spouses Gene (Eleanor); Carmen (Joan); Arthur (Jessie); Anthony (Margaret “Peg”); Benedict (Lena); and her sister Yolanda (Falzano) McMahon. Also, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and their spouses Katherine “Kate” Lauraine (Jim); Joseph (Edith) St. Lucia; Charles Campagna; Joseph Armento; Mary (Dominick) Ragone; Anthony St. Lucia; Julia (Michael) Campagna; and Milton Flood have predeceased Mae. Mae’s family would like to thank the dedicated, nurturing staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center -- Mom’s second home and family -- especially the wonderful caregivers and residents of the Rosary Unit, who provided her with gentle and thoughtful care, wonderful conversations and activities, and many songs, smiles and special hugs. Thank you and sending my love from Heaven to all of my “Paisans.” Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mae’s family Friday, January 6, 2017 4:00 to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 8:15 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, Albany thence to All Saints Catholic Church, Albany at 9:00 am where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held immediately following the Mass at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Mae’s family suggests that charitable contributions may be made in her memory to Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, 2 Mercycare Lane, Guilderland, NY 12084.

Tributes

Camilla M. St. Lucia

March 6, 1921 - January 2, 2017