Obituary of Loretta C. Andrus

Loretta DePalma Andrus, 69, of Rogge Road, Amsterdam entered into eternal life on May 20, 2009 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. Mrs. Andrus was born October 24, 1939 to the late Albert and Frances DePalma of Amsterdam. Loretta attended area schools and worked various jobs. Loretta was best known for her At Home Day Care that she ran for over 20 years. She touched the lives of many families through her love and dedication to children. Loretta enjoyed country music, visiting Hunter Mountain, and camping in her RV with her husband Tom. Loretta also enjoyed roller-skating, crafting ceramics and cross word puzzles. Her love for life and beautiful smile will be missed. Loretta was predeceased by her sister Maryann Slater of Sprakers, and Aunt Catherine Cozzacrea of Amsterdam. She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband Thomas C. Andrus who she married on June 30, 1990, grandson Brandon Sowle Daniel of Gloversville, whom she raised as her own son, her four daughters Linda Sanda of Albany, Valerie Furman Edward of Amsterdam, Carol Furman Mark of Hagaman, Susan Hidde Michael of Amsterdam, five grandchildren Benjamin, Alexis, Marissa, Ashley and Caitlin; two great-grandchildren Brianna and Landon. Loretta is also survived by three siblings Margaret Alexaitis Willard of Amsterdam, Joanne Lesniewski Mathew of Hagaman and Vincent DePalma of Amsterdam; family friend Thomas O'Connor of Amsterdam and several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jameson, PA., Joe Petrosino and the staff at the Saratoga Schenectady Gastro Associates Group as well as to all the dedicated staff who cared for Loretta at Ellis Hospital and at the McClellan Infusion Center. We ask family and friends to join us in honoring Loretta's everlasting life. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22, 2009 at 8:15am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:15 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, East Main Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. John Medwid as celebrant. Burial will take place at the G. B. H. S. Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville on Tuesday May 26, 2009 at 11am. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on tonight Thursday from 5 to 7 pm. All donations can be made to Albany Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.