WESTERLO — Alice Mary Spinelli, who devoted her life to caring for family and friends, died on Friday, May 17, 2024, after a brief illness. She was 79.

She was born on May 3, 1945 to a large family of nine children in Albany and grew up in Voorheesville.

“As an active member of the Westerlo Reformed Church, she has long had a strong faith in Christ and was always filled with gratitude for her many blessings,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She was a super volunteer at the Catholic Charities Resource Center for years.

“Alice devoted her life to caring for her family and friends. Holidays and gatherings were enjoyed by many of us at the home she shared with her husband, Louis “Louie” Spinelli. The door was always open and the homemade meals were wonderful.

“We all will cherish Alice’s cooking and the shared laughter and memories. While we mourn this loss, we can all take comfort in her wit, love, and care for all of us over her lifetime.”

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Alice Mary Spinelli is survived by her sons, Michael Nicholson and his wife, Debbie, Stephen Nicholson and his wife, Lisa; her grandchild, Amber Nicholson; and her great-granddaughter, Ella.

She is also survived by her siblings, Joseph Pawlus and his wife, Emily, Arlene Yattaw and her husband, Jim, Julia Murphy and her husband, Chuck; and many nieces and nephews

She is survived, too, by her husband’s children, Louis Spinelli and his wife, Leanne, Michael Spinelli and his wife, Sherrie, Theresa Spinelli, and grandchildren Louis, Lara, Michaela, and Marissa.

Her beloved husband, Louie Spinelli, died before her, as did her grandson, Jake Nicholson, along with many siblings.

“The family wishes to thank all of the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for the excellent and compassionate care of Alice,” the tribute said. “The family will hold a private Celebration of Life for Alice for family and friends at a later date to be determined.”