Obituary of Mary-Louise Rapello

Mary-Louise Rapello, 75, of Amsterdam, N.Y., has gone to her eternal rest on Monday, June 5th, 2017 with her loving husband by her side. Born on January 3rd, 1942 in Amsterdam, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Mary Pastore and Frederick Rapello. Mary-Lou graduated from the former St Mary's School in Amsterdam and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College in 1964. She married her best friend and love of her life Andie Zajaceskowski in 1963. She later went on to own her own Businesses, Uncle Tom's Cabin and Dara Associates, LLC in Amsterdam. Mary-Lou was a courageous woman who was diagnosed with M.S in 1984. Even through her many tough battles she remained positive and selfless. She handled her illness with much grace and charm. So much so that she was an inspiration to many. Her journeys on that rough road lead her and her husband to advocate intensely for the construction of housing for people with physical disabilities. They have spent many years working alongside Mohawk Monty to accomplish that. Mary-Lou loved to play piano and sing she was a former member of the Mohawk Valley Chorus. She was an expert cinephile and had an extensive knowledge of films and actors in movies as early as 1920. She loved riding her scooter and motorized wheelchair that her husband had customized just for her. She also had a deep love for animals especially her birds and cats. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mary-Lou is survived by her beloved husband Andie; her daughters, Andrea B. Joy and Alicia Zajaceskowski; her son, Andie F. Zajaceskowski; her sister Donna Rapello; her niece Tracy Rapello; and her grandchildren, Ryan Rogers, Olivia Rogers, Skylar Benton, and Shelby Benton. She is predeceased by her parents Mary and Frederick Rapello. A Funeral Service for Mary-Lou will be held on Friday June 9th, 2017 at 11 am at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, with Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. The family will receive visitors on Thursday June 8th, 2017 from 4-7pm at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery, Main Street, Fort Johnson, NY, at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Mohawk Monty, P.O. Box 365, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Donations may also be made online by visiting www.mohawkmonty.org. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.