Obituary of Acelia J. Spadola

Acelia Jean Spadola, 91, of Pine Bush, N.Y. passed from our sight, but not from our hearts on Friday, June 1, 2018. She died at her home, surrounded by her beloved family. She bore a long and gradual illness with the dignity and grace she showed us all her life. Acelia was pre-deceased by her husband Kenneth Joseph Spadola. She is survived by her daughters Aileen Spadola, Jean Crispell and her husband Donald Crispell, her sons Kenneth Spadola, Mark Spadola, Joseph Spadola and his wife Andrea Benton Spadola, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her brother Thomas F. Cuomo. In addition to raising five children, Acelia worked as a nurse, educator, and businesswoman within the community. She responded to our country's shortage of nurses during World War II by enrolling in the College of Mount St. Vincent as a member of the Cadet Nursing Corps. Upon graduating, the war had ended and she pursued her career in nursing, later teaching nursing at OCCC. Around the time her youngest child began kindergarten she earned her teacher certification, then worked as a kindergarten teacher for many years in Pine Bush and Circleville. She also taught high school health. In 1958 she and her husband, Kenneth, founded and directed Indian Springs Camp, an international children's summer camp. After her husband passed away she continued operating the camp with her sons Mark and Joseph until it closed in 1999. In her retirement she enjoyed nature, gardening, and traveling, served as a town of Shawangunk councilwoman, taught adult literacy, delivered Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at the local library. She always had a great love of children, and truly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Acelia set a great example by showing tolerance and granting dignity to all. She was devoted to her family, bestowed a great deal of love on all of us, and lived her life in gratitude. We will dearly miss her. A Mass in blessing and memoriam of her life will be held at the Church of the Infant Saviour in Pine Bush, N.Y. on Saturday June 9, 2018 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Center for Discovery, Office of Development, P.O. Box 840, Harris, NY 12742. http://www.thecenterfordiscovery.org/donate Arrangements by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. Middletown, New York 845-343-6023 or www.ocfuneralhomes.com