Philomena Almy-Cowley

Philomena Almy-Cowley, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Communtiy Hospice at St. Peters with her cherished son by her side. Philomena was born in Schenectady on August 3, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Dominick and Mary (Taglieri) Ciabotti.
Growing up in Scotia with 8 brothers and sisters, she graduated from High School where she excelled in dance and sports. In 1939 she married Victor John Gagliardi who in 1941 volunteered for service and was later killed in action on August 8, 1945. With 2 young boys she found employment at the Navel Depot in Scotia for 12 years. In 1957 she moved her family to Albany where she worked at AMC for 30 years holding the positions of paymaster personnel manager and bookstore manager from which she retired.
The activities that allowed her to stay young were 1st and formost, bridge, becoming an excellent player, teacher, league bowling (182 average), competitive curling (8 ender), and head of the women's golf league, Colonie. She was a member of the Louise' Corning Center, Westview Senior Center, Colonie Senior Center, Colonie's Welcome Wagon and the Albany Curling Club.
She wore many hats and answered to many names; Mrs. Gagliardi, Mrs. Almy, Mrs. Crowley, Philomena, Phyllis, Aunt Phil, Gram, GG, Mom and her mothers favorite, Philoma'. She always responded to your request, making you feel comfortable and reassuring that things would be fine. She always believed "For as rich as you are, its better by far to be young at heart". Philoma was a unique individual, who touched people in a very special way, she will be missed.
Philomena is survived by her brother, Jospeh Ciabotti, 94, her 2 sons, Dr. Louis (Mary Ann) Gagliardi, Victor Gagliardi; her cherished grandchildren, Victor Gagliardi Jr., Alyse Gagliardi, Kate Vrooman; and her great-grandson, Riley Baker Vrooman. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Although there are many family and friends whom she loved and shared time with, some need to be recognized for their special attention: (alpha) Francis and Doris Badolato, Clara Copola, Lisa and Rosemarie Carlson, Jack and Pat Ciabotti, Helene and David Erickson, Gatta family, Susan Neary, Mary Ann and Jim Marx, Jack Millea, Elaine Phelan and Peter Scanlon and family.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 am at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colonie Women's Club, 34 Patroon Place, Loudonville, NY 12211 in Philomena's memory. Interment will follow the service at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Schenectady.