1925
2016
Alice Ainslie Fish Gardella died on March 22, 2016 in Vero Beach, Florida while wintering there with her daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and John Luning of Lakeville, Connecticut. Alice was born in Hartwick, New York on December 7, 1925 and celebrated her 90th birthday this past December. She was the last remaining child of the seven children of James Ainslie and Nina Bowmaker Ainslie.
She lived in Hartwick as a child. Her first marriage was to Stanley Fish, they lived in the Snowden Hill section of Hartwick and there raised 2 daughters, JoAnn and Jean Fish Kimball who died in 1993. In later years Alice married August (Augie) Gardella and moved to Oneonta where they spent several years in retirement in the company of their many friends. Alice and Augie were wonderful dancers and into their senior years inspired many with their dancing ability.
Alice had worked for the Victory Market and Sherry's Restaurant in Cooperstown but the position she was the proudest of was at Bassett Hospital where she retired after many years as a Ward Secretary. She worked for Bresse Department Store during her retirement. She was a very active member of the Hartwick Methodist Church and later a participant in the
First United Methodist Church in Oneonta.
During both of her marriages Alice traveled extensively in the United States and traveled abroad to Italy in later years. She was a passionate baseball fan and loved the games in Oneonta. The Yankees were her team of choice. She was a lover of cats and all things relating to cats. There was seldom a time when she didn't have a cat in her life.
As is frequently the case, in her later years she was especially attached to her "families of origin" and the several nieces and nephews, children of her siblings; John and Mary Tedesco of Fly Creek, Barbara and Larry Ainslie of Hartwick, Paul and Connie Tedesco of Hartwick and Linda, John Tuller of New Berlin and Norman Ainslie of Schenectady, NY. All of her nieces and nephews remember their aunt as a lively, happy cart wheeler from the many, many Ainslie Family Reunions experienced over the years.
Alice also had 4 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; Todd and Karen Saxe, Roxbury, CT, Nathan and Amy Saxe, South Hadley, MA, Cynthia Saxe, Germantown, MD and Ian Kimball, Philadelphia, PA.
A private family memorial service is planned for May 21st at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Oneonta.
The family extends a thank you to all friends and family who sent cards and notes and remained in touch with Alice during her last difficult years.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
May 18, 2016
Liz Ainslie
Growing up I always had a good time with my great-aunt Alice. She was kind and fun. Her lively stories and spirit made my visits to Oneonta extra special. I'm so sorry I cannot be at the service. Sending my love and condolences.
May 7, 2016
I have known Alice for probably 25 years or more. I first met her at the Oneonta Italian club with Augie. They were wonderful dancers. I also knew Alice through the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta. We always enjoyed visiting with each other. I am sorry for your loss,Alice was a special person.
Nancy Fodero
May 5, 2016
Roxanne Conklin
I was so very sorry to hear of Alice's passing. I also regret that I will not be able to pay my respects at her service as I will still be in Florida. Please know, however, her loved ones are in my thoughts and I will remember her with great fondness.
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