Ramona C. Gralewski

Ramona C. Gralewski

October 14, 2022

Ramona C. Gralewski, of Amsterdam, entered eternal life with her loving family at her side.

She was born in Belfast, Ireland, on December 15, 1928, the daughter of Agnes Breslin and James Allen.

She was raised and educated in “Derry”, Ireland, by her grandparents, John and Elizabeth Breslin.

It was there she met and married Rudolph DiBartolomeo in 1946 at St. Eugene's Cathedral, Londonderry, Ireland. Rudolph was stationed with the U.S. Navy on location in Derry. She and her husband returned to the United States with their two children in 1949. Rudolph passed away in 1953. Ramona married Raymond Gralewski in 1955 at St. Michael's Church, Amsterdam, NY, officiated by the Rev Joseph C. Beck.

Ramona was active in the Arnold Ave School PTA. She was a girl scout and brownie leader and cub scout den mother. She was a member of the former St. Michael's Convent Auxiliary where she held the offices of President and Vice President. She was a lifelong member of the Century Club where she served on the Board and many committees. Ramona was awarded a gold certificate for her 50 years of dedicated service. In addition she was a member of the Purple Heart Auxillary where she held the office of President. Ramona retired from St. Mary's Hospital in 1986 from her position as an operating room aide.

She enjoyed enduring friendships with her special friends, Alice, Mary, Carm, Eleanor Q and Eleanor D. They spent many enjoyable evenings together, gathering at Ramona’s kitchen table. Ramona and Ray spent time traveling in their retirement years; several times to Ireland, Spain, Mexico, Bahamas and throughout the United States. What she enjoyed the most was camping on Sacandaga Lake with her grandchildren.

Ramona was predeceased by her husband Raymond in 2015, her daughter Mona Lisa DiBartolomeo, her sisters Josephine and Francis and her brother Pat, all of Ireland.

She is survived by her brother Jim of Perth, Australia and children; Michael (Gina) DiBartolomeo, Colleen DeMaria, Tim (Carol) Gralewski, all of Amsterdam and Ray (Karen) Gralewski of Longmont, Colorado. Cherished grandchildren; Daniel (Andrea) DiBartolomeo, Mara (Jeff) Mazur, Brett (Jessica) DeMaria, Nicolaos (Kaila) DeMaria, Zachary (Danielle) DeMaria, Katie DeMaria, Lea (Sean) Ledford and Lexi Gralewski, eleven great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

We would like to express our gratitude to Hospice for their excellent care and a special thank you to Amanda, her nurse.

She was blessed with compassionate care from her home health aides who showed a sincere concern for her well being. Thank you Karen Ahr, Lonna Bevins, Ann Gatto and Ray Draus.

Visitation will be held Thursday morning, October 20, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 and followed at 12 noon by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, with the Very Rev. O, Robert DeMartinis, E.V. officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam.

Memorial gifts in Ramona's name may be made to Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to a charity of one’s choice.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com