Antoinette Duva

Albany-Antoinette Robortella Duva, 103, entered into heaven peacefully surrounded by her family Sunday, December 6, 2015 at St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Montemurro, Italy January 31, 1912. She met her husband Frank while he was on a trip to Italy. They were married in 1931 and returned to the USA. Antoinette was a homemaker who loved taking care of her family. She was an incredible cook, loved to sew, an intensely devout Catholic, had a great sense of humor and took pride in her beautiful flower gardens. She loved to tell stories about growing up in Italy and always had anecdotes and words of wisdom in Italian and we loved hearing them. During her stay at the nursing home she developed a love for bingo and also enjoyed going to Mass and Communion Services. She was adored by staff, residents and their families. Antoinette was always hugging and throwing kisses to everyone she came in contact with. People could not believe she was a centenarian because she looked and acted much younger. She was such a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and mother-in-law. She sacrificed all her life and family always came first. Antoinette was happiest when her entire family was all together and said it made her feel like a queen. One of her favorite sayings was ‘it couldn’t be any better.’ And when it came to ma, it fit her to the tee. She was the best. During her long life she touched the lives of many people who were fortunate to have known this beautiful lady. Antoinette was predeceased by her husband Frank of 59 years, her parents Domenic Anthony and Beatrice, sisters Anna and Roquina and brother Vincent, along with her daughter- in- law Aileen “Teri” Duva. She is survived by her sons Rocco, Anthony, Salvatore (Kathy Nolan), Joe (Ilene), granddaughters Antoinette Nowak (David), Deborah DiCerbo (Michael), Angela Wolf (John), great grandchildren Tyler and Jordan Nowak and Adam Murray. She is also survived by several nephews and was like a mother to whom she called her ‘fifth son’ John Kearney (Lynda). The family would like to especially thank the religious sisters, all of the staff and the volunteers at the nursing home who were always so loving and caring to her over the past four years. She may be gone from this earth, but rest assured she will still be praying for all of us up in heaven. She would always say, ‘God, please help everybody.’ Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Antoinette’s family Wednesday, December 9, 2015 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 8:15 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Parish of Mater Christi, Albany at 9:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Antoinette in a special way may send a contribution to St. Peter’s Hospital foundation, 319 S. Manning Blvd., Suite 114, Albany, NY 12208 care of St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions, light a candle or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Antoinette Duva

January 31, 1912 - December 6, 2015