Lorraine H. DeCesare: 1929 - 2013

From her the official obit, in the Post-Star:  She was born January, 30, 1929, in Albany, New York,  the daughter of the late William A. and Emma A. Wiley of Colonie.

She was also predeceased by her brother, William “Sonny” Wiley of Pine Bush.

Lorraine was married to her husband, Americo (Val) DeCesare for 39 years until his untimely death May 3, 1992. Together they owned and operated several successful businesses, including Lou’s Pizza in Schenectady, Maypine Pizza and DeCesare’s Pizzeria in Schroon Lake, which is now owned and operated by their son, Alan.

Lorraine enjoyed cooking. Her spaghetti sauce, meatballs and eggplant parm were considered the best around by many. In retirement, Lorraine and Val enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Cape May and Bar Harbor. Lorraine enjoyed fishing with her family and would cook whatever the catch of the day was for her boys. She spent countless hours knitting and crocheting beautiful afghans and gifts for everyone in her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her six sons, Don (Patty) of St. Augustine, Fla., Carl of Schroon Lake, Gary (Diane) of Lake Luzerne, Val David (Diane) of Burnt Hills, Alan (Debbie) of Schroon Lake and Douglas (Debbie) of Queensbury; and her 12 grandchildren, MeriBeth (Kyle) Gilbert and John (Nicole), Heather and Carl (Taylor), Danny (Christine), Valerie (Andrew) DelSignore and Dawn (Scott) Carpenter, Val David Jr., Alan (Danielle), Lynne and Alyssa, and Jenny, who will cherish their memories of summers spent at Schroon Lake with their “Mema” or “Meems.”

She was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren. Lorraine is also survived by her longtime friend and companion, Douglas Fawthrop of Schroon Lake. They enjoyed going to bingo and taking long rides in the Adirondacks and Vermont.

A celebration of Lorraine’s life will be held for family and friends from 9 a.m. until the service at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23, 2013, at Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, 1019 U.S. Route 9 Schroon Lake.

Interment will follow at Memory’s Garden in Albany. Lorraine loved children and the holidays.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in her memory be made to the Children’s Christmas Express, 187 Alder Meadow Road, Schroon Lake, NY 12870. We have lost a kind and loving soul … Lorraine will be greatly missed.