Elsie Marie "Elsa" (Ambrosi) Fiore

Elsie Marie “Elsa” Fiore, of New Hartford, died on Thursday, December 29, 2011 following six years of living her life to its fullest under the staggering weight of a terminal cancer diagnosis. In strength, passion, and grace, Elsie celebrated each day of her life giving of herself to her friends and family. She found the most happiness in the presence of her five grandchildren who learned the meaning of love wrapped tightly in her arms, and hearing her sweet voice in song and story. As the matriarch of the Fiore family, Elsie opened her home over the years to countless friends and family who always found a nurturing, warm, open environment. The Fiore home was the place of choice for her three sons and the countless numbers of their friends who passed through its doors. She was hearth and home, and her light blazed bright in the lives of many. She was born Elsie M. Ambrosi, youngest child of Erasmo and Claudia (Maestri) Ambrosi, who emigrated to the United States in 1935 from their home in Carisolo, Italy. Elsie was educated in Utica schools and enjoyed a 35+ year career as a Cosmetologist, where she made many lasting friendships. In her later years she found great joy in expressing her creativity through watercolor painting, photography, gardening and travel. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joseph Fiore; her three sons and their families, Joseph Fiore of Raleigh, North Carolina and his daughters Isabella and Claudia; Paul Fiore of Cambridge, Massachusetts, his partner David Foley, and their son Lukas; and Marc Fiore of Rochester, NY, his wife Andrea, and their sons Coz and Matthew. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Carmella Basi of New Hartford, sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and Richard Christensen of Utica, and Rita and Michael Delia also of Utica; and many loving nieces, nephews, and their families. Elsie was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Hector Ambrosi; and her sisters, Cheserina Hazelwood, and Lena Summa. Elsie’s family would like to thank her treatment team at the Dana Farber Cancer Institution in Boston, especially Dr. David Kwiatkowski, for their exemplary care over the past six years. They have given us time, the best gift we could ask for. The family also wishes to thank Kathy Smyth, Elsie’s hospice nurse. Kathy went far beyond the call of duty and became part of the family as she helped Elsie die with the dignity and grace that was her trademark. Please join Elsie’s family in a Mass to celebrate her life at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church at 1pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Per the family's wishes, please do not send flowers or deliver food to the family. In honor of Elsie’s lifelong love and support of animals a fund has been set up in her name; “The ELSA fund” Ever Lasting Support of Animals (to benefit central New York animal shelters). Donations can be made online at www.elsafund.com or sent to; The Community Foundation, 1222 State Street, Utica New York 13502. Make checks payable to The ELSA fund, or envelopes will also be available at the church service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Elsie Marie "Elsa" (Ambrosi) Fiore

May 14, 1940 - December 29, 2011