Obituary of Elizabeth A. Della Ratta

Schenectady - Elizabeth Ann Della Ratta, 81, of Wendell Avenue entered eternal life with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, March 14th, after a courageous battle with leukemia. In life she exemplified grace, strength and a deep love of family & all humanity. Elizabeth was born in Punta Gorda Florida to the late Charles and Margaret Goetz Cerny on November 11, 1936. Elizabeth was an accomplished young women. At age 16 she was a delegate to the national future homemakers of America where she was elected President. She was later invited to and honored by President Harry S. Truman at the White House. She attended Florida State University and graduated with honors from Emory University with a B.S. degree in nursing. Elizabeth went on to work at the National Institute of Health, holding rank as Lieutenant JG, US Navy. While at the NIH, she met the love of her life, Richard G. DellaRatta; who was attending American University Law School and their lifelong romance began. After a proposal under the cherry blossoms in Washington DC, they married January 29, 1961 and soon began a family; raising 5 boys. Elizabeth had many interests including piano, bridge, tennis, skiing, swimming, sewing and cooking all of which she shared with her children and grandchildren. She also played the organ for many years at Saint Joseph's Church in Scotia New York. She was pre-deceased by her cherished son & Julliard trumpet player Joseph, her brother Bobby and her neice Kimmie. Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Richard G. Della Ratta, her sons Rick, Michael [Diane], John (Michelle), Peter (Amae) and daughter she never had Dee-Ann Lichorat Fusco along with 7 grandchildren: Sarah, Crista, Kate, Alexendar, Eli, Athen and Clinton. She is also survived by, the best brother a sister could have, John Charles Cerny, his wife and Elizabeth's nursing career mentor Louise (Tribble) Cerny, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday March 23rd from 4 to 7p.m.at the Daly Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday March 24th @ 11am at St. John the Evangelist church. Celebration of life reception immediately following the mass. The family would like to thank community hospice of Schenectady along with long time family friend and caregiver Mary Ellen O'Brien for their compassionate and loving care of Elizabeth. Those who wish to remember Elizabeth in a special way may make a contribution to the Joshua Foundation Inc., Altamont, New York.