Obituary of Cynthia A. D'Avella

Cynthia Angela D'Avella, 74, of Ballston Lake, and former Catskill resident, passed peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by family and friends after a brave fight against colon cancer on Thursday, May 19th, at her home. Born November 6, 1936 in Catskill, Cynthia was the daughter of the late Julia Elizabeth Cardinale and Anthony Perpetua. A graduate of St. Patrick's Catholic High School, Cynthia was an excellent student and cheerleader, known for her rapier sharp wit. In 1958, Cynthia married her sweetheart, Gene D'Avella, also of Catskill. She worked at Marine Midland Bank for a number of years and raised three children. Cynthia enjoyed reading, gardening, politics, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. Cynthia is predeceased by her husband, Eugene Joseph D'Avella, on September 24, 2000. She is survived by her devoted brother, Dennis Perpetua, and wife, Sherry, of Troy, NY, and her adoring children, Gene D'Avella and wife, Wendy, of Valley Falls, NY, daughter Catherine Gigi Opela, and husband Stephen, of Ballston Lake, NY, and daughter, Denise D'Avella, of Albany, NY. Cynthia also enjoyed the love of grandchildren Paul and Craig D'Avella, and Chloe and Phoebe Opela. The family gratefully acknowledges the care given by Dr. Howard Schlossberg and the staff at Riverview Cancer Center, the 6th floor nursing staff at Ellis Hospital and the Palliative Care team, especially Drs. Ford and Giokas. Additionally, the staff at Hospice of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties. We wish to extend special thanks to Dixie, RN, with Saratoga Hospice and for the loving care provided to Cynthia in her final days by the Concepts in Health Care, Inc. staff, particularly Christine. Relatives and friends may call at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Rt. 9, Clifton Park, NY on Monday, May 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be offered at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at the intersection of Rt. 9 and Ushers Rd in Clifton Park on Tuesday, May 24th, at 10:00 am with Fr. James Clark officiating. Interment will follow at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorials to Community Hospice of Saratoga at 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga, NY, 12866.