Mrs. Thelma Mae (Kemper) Zegarelli

UTICA - Mrs. Thelma Mae (Kemper) Zegarelli, age 87, a devout Catholic, went to her ultimate home on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 when she passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. Thelma was born on August 21, 1930 in Minster, Ohio, the daughter of the late John and Pearl (Ellis) Kemper. After high school, Thelma furthered her education and became a Registered Nurse. She worked in Cleveland, Ohio, California, and New York. She met her true love, Nicholas A. Zegarelli, in California while he was serving in the military. They were wed on April 26, 1954 and relocated to Utica where they raised their nine children. They shared 57 years in a loving marriage prior to Nick’s passing on March 12, 2012. While raising her family, Thelma worked as an RN at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and at Dr. Anthony Dardano’s private practice which later became Women’s Health Associates. She retired after 50 years of nursing service. Thelma and Nicholas’ first priority was their children. They worked different shifts in order to ensure that the children were well taken care of and were taught respect for others. Thelma took pride in her cooking, and her children and their friends enjoyed many, many meals. She enjoyed quilting and making baby blankets which were tokens of remembrance to many of her loved ones. Each grandchild received a handmade quilt from her as a high school graduation gift. She always looked forward to her visits spent in California with her son Brian and his family. Thelma’s loved ones will hold on to the values and virtues that guided her life and remember that she gave from her soul. The likes of this hardworking woman are few and far between. She was a child of the Great Depression and World War II, and still, she persevered. She married, obtained a professional degree, procured a position in her medical career, and raised nine children. She prevailed,…against all odds. She was a woman of deep faith and a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Thelma held close to her heart the memory of her firstborn, her son Michael John Zegarelli, who passed away on April 27, 2018. She is survived by her remaining children, Ronald and Cynthia (Stevener) Zegarelli, Richard Zegarelli, Marie and James Goodman, Jacqueline Wuest and Frank Custodero, Cynthia Zegarelli, John and Joanne (Kalwara) Zegarelli, Brian and Jane (Orbinati) Zegarelli, and Mark Zegarelli; grandchildren, Michael J. II, Tricia and Patrick Tomaselli, Nicholas, Eric and Kerry, Jessica and Christopher Brooks, Jonathan, Christopher, Kathryn and James Garrison, Patrick and Kimberly, David Goodman, Jacob, Janine, Samuel, Rachel, Olivia, and Luke; and her grandchildren who call her “great” great-grandma, James and Owen Tomaselli, and Angelo and Giovanni Zegarelli. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Mary Jean Kemper, and Robert and Judy Kemper; and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins who reside in Ohio. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosemary and Jack Brandewie, and Dorothy and Leo Finnen; her son-in-law, D. Michael Wuest; in-laws, Vincenza F. and Mario L. Totaro; and members of her husband’s family. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Patricia Rosati/NP from Dr. Fred Talarico Office for the loving care shown to Thelma; and Hospice & Palliative Care angels, Krystal, Alaina, and Irene who were a godsend; they showed respect and compassion and formed a blessed connection on so many levels; and Fr. John Buehler for his visits, prayers, and administration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The family honored and commemorated Thelma’s life at the time of her passing. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Thelma’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413 or online at www.hospicecareinc.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Thelma Mae (Kemper) Zegarelli

August 21, 1930 - June 12, 2018