Marie A. Ritzel

Marie A. Ritzel, 88, formerly of Coeymans Hollow, NY, but more recently of Plymouth, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Residential Health Care Facility.

Born on New Year’s Day, 1931, in Albany county, Marie was the daughter of Paul and Agnes (Sorell) Boehlke and, after her father died at a young age, the step-daughter of George Boehlke. On April 16, 1950, Marie married Johann Ritzel in New York City; together they would raise their seven children in Coeymans Hollow, NY.

After many years residing there, Marie and Johann retired to Polk City, FL. Following the death of her husband on October 19, 1994, Marie remained in Florida for several years, assisted by her son, Jeffrey. Eventually Marie returned to New York, living with her son, Steven, in New York City, her son, Robert, in Coeymans Hollow, and her son John, in Plymouth, NY. For the past 5 years, Marie had been a resident at Chenango Memorial Hospital’s RHCF. The family sends its sincere appreciation for the wonderful care and concern given to Marie by the staff during her last years of life.

Marie was a devout Roman Catholic her entire life. She was an incredible cook and baker. She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and watching the many birds her gardens attracted. She was also a devoted daughter, caring for her step-father during his illness and final days of life. Marie was born and lived as a country girl deep in her ever child-like soul. She always held a special place in her heart for the farm of her youth. She had a special appreciation for musicals and was able to attend many musical productions and concerts while living in New York City. Marie had a latent artistic vein that she was never able to fully nurture herself, but was able to pass on to some of her children and grandchildren.

Marie is survived by her children John (Nancy) Ritzel, of Plymouth, NY; Paul Ritzel, of Boston, MA; Karen (Gary) Brothers, of Syracuse, NY; Steven Ritzel, of New York City; Caroline (Daniel) Phelps, of Winter Haven, FL; and Jeffrey (Misty) Ritzel, of Palm Bay, FL; grandchildren Kathleen, Margaret, Mary, Ann, Nicholas, Jared, Rylee, Andrew, Ashley, Kiley, Patrick, and Emily; great-grandchildren Molly, Mary, Gabrielle, Hannah, and Bella; siblings Orville Boehlke, Paul Boehlke, and Patricia LaQuire, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, step-father, and husband, Marie was also predeceased by her dear son, Robert, and her siblings, Herman Boehlke, and Louise Irwin.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2019, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Norwich, NY, where Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Norwich, NY, at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in Marie’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.