Raffaela Audi

WEST ALBANY – Raffaela "Rae" Audi went home to heaven on May 14, 2010, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease and related health complications. She was born on March 17, 1925 in (Ruviano) Caserta, Italy. Devoted daughter of the late Nicola and Rosalia Marino, Raffaela cherished her parents and carried on their strong work ethic, humility and devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. Raffaela married the love of her life, John, in July 1949. They worked together in the family businesses and she was a wonderful homemaker. Raffaela was an amazing chef, loved making special dinners for her family and friends, and was a "caregiver extraordinaire." As a caregiver to several family members over the years, Raffaela always showed compassion, love and dedication. She is survived by her three sons: Paul (Karen) of Latham, Nick of Colonie and John of Waterford; grandchildren, Chris and Jordan; brother, Joseph (Riccardo) Marino of Italy. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, including Paula Osterhout, Tony and Bob Audi, who she helped raise when their mother Julia passed away, and her best friend, Mary Popolizio. In addition to her parents, Raffaela was predeceased by her sister, Gilda Pisapia. Raffaela was always dedicated to her Catholic faith and always enjoyed her prayer/rosary time. She was a wonderful example of what the Bible teaches us. Her love and compassion for the sick, elderly and lonely is inspirational. Raffaela's sons feel so fortunate to have had such a wonderful blessed mother and are forever devoted to her. Many thanks to all of the wonderful friends we met along our Alzheimer's journey, especially at Teresian House, The Eddy/Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center and Dr. Carmen Giuliano and the staff at Albany Medical Center C.C.U. (D265E). The love and compassion you provided to Raffaela will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be Wednesday morning at 9:15 a.m. at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to Christ Our Light Catholic Church, formerly St. Francis de Sales, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville at 10:00 a.m. where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Teresian House Foundation, 200 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY 12203 in memory of Raffaela Audi.