Audrey Ann (Zillioux) Rich

Mrs. Audrey Ann Rich, 90, of New Hartford, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Utica, NY, on March 27, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Helen Hart Zillioux. She graduated from Utica Catholic Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in English from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY, where she later served for many years on the LeMoyne Alumni Board.

Along with raising 7 children, she was a fierce and effective advocate for the disabled and co-led a special needs Boy Scout Troop for her son David and his peers. A woman of great faith, she was joyfully engaged in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. She attended the Holy Spirit Institute in Skaneateles, NY, and organized monthly Healing Masses and prayer groups. Audrey served as a Hospice Volunteer, and loved dancing, sing-alongs, and traveling to celebrate the events and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and cherished nieces and nephews. She lived her last five years in the Community at Sunset Wood, where she participated to the fullest and enjoyed many new friendships.

Audrey was predeceased by her beloved husband of 36 years, Gabriel Rich, Jr., whom she married on May 21, 1955. Audrey and Gabe shared an unstoppable love for one another and enjoyed trips to Italy and many summers at Sylvan Beach before he passed away in 1991. She was predeceased by her brother and sister in law Keith and Pat Zillioux, brother James Zillioux, and brothers in law John Rich and Carmen Barres.

She is survived by her children, Gabriel Rich III and Lisa Rich, Susan and Andy Kelly, Steven and Kathy Rich, Paul and Doreen Rich, David Rich, Karen Rich, and Kristen and Steve Fragnoli, as well as her siblings, Don and Ginger Zillioux, Cynthia Barres, Mary Ann and Bill Wilsey , Dorothy Rich, and Elizabeth and Bob Wendler. Audrey was blessed with her grandchildren, Tessa Kelly and Chris Parkinson, Francis and Tiffany Thurston, John Kelly, Nicholas Thurston, Paul Rich and Rachael Risley, Jacob Fragnoli and Grace Yasewicz, Kelsey Rich, Matthew Rich, and Jessica Fragnoli, as well as her great grandchildren, Eve Kelly Parkinson, Ray Kelly Parkinson, and Audrey Thurston.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sultana Razia and physical therapist Maida Kapo for their compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 30, from 4-7 pm at Scala Roefaro Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica, NY. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 31 at 10 am St. Thomas Church in New Hartford, NY,

Donations in Audrey’s memory can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, online, or care of the funeral home. 

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