Audrey P (Pusz) Zarelli

Rotterdam – Audrey P. Zarelli, 77, slipped into eternity on Sunday, January 2nd, 2022, after spending a final day with her family. She was born in Schenectady to her parents, the late Stanley and Ida Pusz. Audrey was meticulous and had many skills; she was an accomplished hairstylist, artistic and crafty, an avid antique hunter, and kept an immaculate home and attire. She was a gracious hostess renowned for her delicious meals and desserts, which included world-class potato salad, kluski, apple and lemon meringue pies, and the famous “Wacky Cake” – a birthday tradition for decades. She never showed up at someone’s home empty-handed. But her life’s work was generosity and devotion to family. She set aside career to be home for her children, and was a tireless caretaker for her mother and the love of her life, Pete. Audrey leaves behind her beloved husband, Paul “Pete” Zarelli; sons, Steve Zarelli and Thomas (Theresa) Zarelli; grandchildren, John, Julianna, Chris, Mike and Paulie; brother, Paul (Pat) Pusz; brother-in-law, Rit (Marianne) Zarelli; sister-in-law, Dot Pusz; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Audrey also leaves behind dear friends, Annie and Lester Alkinburgh, Bill and Jean Townsend, and Marlene Hennig. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Richard and Leonard Pusz. A calling hour will be held on Friday, March 11thfrom 9:15 - 10:15 am at St. Gabriel’s Church, 3040 Hamburg Street in Rotterdam, where Audrey was a long-time parishioner. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 am. The family would like to thank Marlene Hennig for her help in keeping Audrey at home as long as possible, and Laura, Lori, Theresa, Meagan, Meagan, Michelle, and others at the Schenectady Center for their kind care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Audrey’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plz., Ste. 405, Albany, NY 12205 or to the Parkinson’s Foundation atparkison.org/donate.