Obituary of Anita D. Vadney

WEST COXSACKIE- Anita D Vadney (Cioffi), 91, peacefully entered eternal life on Friday, December 2, 2022, at her home in Hannacroix, New York. Anita was born on November 9, 1931, in Albany, New York, to Marguerite Cioffi (Fiscarelli) and Silvio (Joseph) Cioffi; for the past several decades she resided in her home in Hannacroix, Town of New Baltimore, NY. Anita was an intelligent, inquisitive, gifted woman, and managed her own affairs and home until physical limitations required assistance in her daily activities. She reluctantly but wisely acknowledged the fact that she was unable to continue living alone, and she accepted the offer of her daughter, Ann Marie, to occupy a self-contained unit created in Ann Marie's home. Enjoying relative autonomy and privacy, as well as the devoted care and attention of family. Ann Marie's devotion to Anita was extraordinary, and for three years, Anita gradually became a central focus in her life, to the exclusion of many other activities; Ann Marie's devotion to family is legendary, and her willingness to self-sacrifice did not go unnoticed by those around her, particularly appreciated by her mom. Thanks to Ann Marie and the support of sons, daughter-in-laws, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and friends, Anita was able to avoid most of the indignities of advanced age, and to enjoy comfort and proximity of friends and loved ones. She entered eternal life peacefully while resting at her home, her children at her side. We would like to believe that the gift of a peaceful death was the sign of a good life; we are confident that loved ones who left the world before her were there to welcome her, when she finally accepted relief from earthly pain and suffering. As a young woman, Anita had plans for a career in nursing, that is, until she met her Prince Charming, Harold "Sonny," and opted instead for the vocation of wife and mother; Harold and Anita married in 1950 and shared her life with Harold until his death in l994. They welcomed six children into the world and provided model parenting and a rich and nurturing environment for them well into adulthood and even beyond. They provided a home filled with love and warmth that extended to all who happened to cross the threshold, and there were many. Only when the children were grown up and relatively independent, only then did Anita give any thought to doing something like working outside the home. She hailed from a family that appreciated culture and to whom personal and professional hospitality was a priority. Anita was blessed with incredible culinary gifts, and family and friends were blessed to have experienced first-hand those gifts. Thus, there came the time when she, with the support of the family, decided it was time for the world at large to experience her gourmet skills. Spearheaded by daughter Ann Marie, a family restaurant was opened, and Anita became the executive chef at the Belvedere Restaurant, in Schodack. The Belvedere restaurant, thanks to Mama's fine Italian cuisine, was a great success; Anita's priorities changed very quickly when her beloved husband suffered several health crises. Family came first, he needed her and she was going to be with him and care for him; without Mama, the restaurant had to close its doors to the great disappointment of many customers. Anita took care of her husband until his death in 1994, ending a 44-year partnership. Always the mother and go-to, and together with daughters Ann Marie and Paula Jean, Anita played a central role in her grandchildren's lives well into their adulthood, and she was a source of care and support. She was particularly special to her granddaughters Regina Marie and Jessica Ann (Mary and Richard Vadney), and especially important in the life of her granddaughter Destiny Lynn. The youngest of her granddaughters, Victoria Marguerite, refers to her "BaaBaa" as her "rock." Anita particularly enjoyed spoiling her grandson, Joshua Michael, who would joke with her that he was her favorite grandson; he was only grandson, until her great grandson, Francisco, came into the picture, and she then had two "favorites." In the years that followed after the loss of her beloved husband Anita continued to be the source of emotional and spiritual strength, unconditional love, and a primary resource and succor to her family and their friends She was never too busy to patiently listen, share her thoughts, welcome you into her home and heart, feed and nourish you in every way, and make you feel safe, loved, and peaceful. The home and upbringing that she and Harold provided for their children continues to this day: no one had any qualms about bringing whoever needed a good meal and laughter home to "BaaBaa" on any given day, to their traditional Sunday dinners, or on holidays. She was the paradigm of wife, mother, friend, counselor and comforter, a well-read conversation partner, a fabulous cook, and a cherished friend. Her wisdom and spirit will be painfully missed by all who shared her life. Given Anita's background, it surprised most people that she enjoyed camping with her family, and she looked forward to the yearly tradition of the trip to the Thousand Islands, and the more frequent visits to Lincoln Pond and John and Dawn's camp, were her favorites. We will all cherish the memories of those days. Anita was predeceased by her Husband of 44 years, Harold W. Vadney, Jr., her son, Richard M. Vadney, and her daughter Paula Jean Vadney. She is survived by four of her six children Harold W. Vadney, III (Edward J. Hayes), Ann Marie Vadney (Nikolla Hajdari), John M. Vadney (Dawn R. ne Sullivan) and Joseph A. Vadney (Deborah A. McGuire); daughter-in-law Mary Vadney (Richard M. Vadney) son-in-law Paul Kentoffio (Paula Jean Vadney) grandchildren: Regina Marie (Vadney) Haight (Eric Haight), Jessica Ann Vadney, Destiny (O'Toole) Califano (Anthony Califano), Joshua M. Vadney, Victoria M. Vadney, great grandchild Francesco Haight, and; her faithful companion Australian shepherd - Jaco -, whom she loved and who returned that love only as a dog can do. Say what you like about mother-in-laws, you can judge the person by the devotion of daughters-in-law and sons-In-law; Anita was blessed with devoted daughters-in-law, Mary Vadney and Dawn Vadney, and an especially devoted son-in-law, Edward Hayes, all of whom showered Anita with love and support. The family would like to especially acknowledge the care and friendship shared with Anita by her homecare companion, Kathleen Brown, whose gentleness, and compassion were a great comfort to Anita, and a much-needed respite for Ann Marie. The family would like further to express their gratitude to the Albany and Greene County (Coxsackie, Catskill, Ravena) first responders and EMS teams who provided excellent and reliable service to Anita in some harrowing moments. Our gratitude goes out to New York State Troopers of Troop F, the Greene County Sheriff's Deputies and the Office of the Greene County Coroner, who, when responding to our call for assistance at Anita's death, responded promptly and showed extraordinary sensitivity and compassion, professionalism, and overall human care under the circumstances. Extended family and friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in The Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Avenue, (corner of 104th Street), Troy, NY 12180 (518.235.5610). A chapel service will immediately follow visitation, at 6:00 pm in the funeral home. *** Please assemble at the church by 10:00 am to be seated prior to the commencement of the mass. *** All are invited to join family and friends in the celebration of a Funeral Mass on Thursday, at 10:30 am at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 80 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, New York 12051 (518.731.8800) Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 481 Route 9W, Glenmont, NY 12077 (518.463.0134). Attendees are invited to share the repast luncheon at the Pegasus Restaurant, 10885 Route 9W, Coxsackie, NY 12051 (518.731.9200), immediately following the interment service. Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy to the Vadney Family may be shared online at: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com Visitation 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Wednesday, December 7, 2022 The Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. 218 2nd Avenue TROY, New York, United States 12180 Funeral Home Chapel Service 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 7, 2022 The Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. 218 2nd Avenue TROY, New York, United States 12180 Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am - 11:30 am Thursday, December 8, 2022 St Mary's Roman Catholic Church 80 Mansion Street Coxsackie, New York, United States 12051 Rite of Commital 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm Thursday, December 8, 2022 Calvary Cemetery Route 9W Glenmont , New York, United States 12077 Repast Luncheon 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Thursday, December 8, 2022 Pegasus Restaurant 10885 US Route 9W Coxsackie, New York, United States 12051