Elsie Mae Depiazza

ST. JOHNSVILLE - Elsie Mae DePiazza, age 82, of 104 Comstock Road, Newport, New York, formerly of Oppenheim and St. Johnsville, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 9:28 a.m.

Born on February 15, 1942, in the Village of Palatine, Elsie was the daughter of Gladys and Harold Barker. She was married to Joseph DePiazza for 50 years, remaining faithfully by his side until his passing in 2011. Her love for him never wavered.

Elsie worked in various jobs throughout her life but found her true calling as a Home Health Care worker. Her unfaltering love for others was evident in the compassionate care she provided to those she served.

She had a lifelong passion for animals, gardening and the outdoors, often looking forward to "playing in the dirt" and enjoying nature. Elsie had a special affinity for chickens, often hand feeding them. The family also has fond memories of baby goats being raised in the house due to the cold weather.

Elsie’s greatest joy came from being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She embodied the essence of motherhood—full of love, grace, quiet guidance and fierce determination. A devoted follower of Christ, Elsie was an active member of her church community, Dolgeville Christian Fellowship, leading her life with God as her guiding light.

Elsie is survived by her five children: Brenda (DePiazza) and husband, Bob McBride, of Newport, NY, Angela (DePiazza) and husband, Earl Belcher, of Salisbury Center, NY, Joseph and wife, Vicky DePiazza, of Oppenheim, NY, Jefferson DePiazza and husband, Jeffery Collins, of Cumming, GA and Phillip DePiazza and wife, Cassandra, of Sierra Vista, AZ. She leaves behind grandchildren: Amanda Farquhar, Joshua Belcher, Shaylene Somma, Gabrielle DePiazza, Isaiah DePiazza, Eddie Sullivan, KJ Sullivan and Andy McBride. Her life was also blessed by 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Elsie is also survived by her siblings: William Barker, Patricia Wiegand, Ronald Barker and Kathleen Winters.

She was predeceased by her siblings: Shirley Cittidini and Robert Barker; and many beloved pets, including Charlie, Shelby, Mia, Daisy and Annie.

In keeping with her caring and giving nature, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your choice of Hospice of Oneida – Herkimer County, or Fulton or Montgomery County Humane Society.

The family extends special thanks to the hospice care team of Herkimer County for their outstanding care, guidance and support during this difficult time. Your compassion and professionalism exceeded our expectations.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and will consist of calling hours followed by a Funeral Home Service and then a Cemetery Committal Service, all of which family and friends are invited to attend. The calling hours at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, in St. Johnsville, New York, are Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Funeral Home Prayer Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a procession to Dolgeville Cemetery for interment and then an afternoon luncheon, in Dolgeville.

All arrangements have been coordinated with Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (518) 568-2300. This obituary will appear in Tuesday’s edition of the Amsterdam Recorder and may be visited at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.