Obituary of Rachel M DeCerce

Rachel DeGregoria DeCerce age 81, passed into Gods hands on February 12th 2024 at Ellis Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the Late Charles and Laura (Rago) DeGregoria. She was also predeceased by her brother Charles DeGregoria and her niece Laura DeGregoria. Rachel graduated from James Monroe HS in NYC. She received her Bachelors of Science in Teaching from Oswego State University. Her first teaching job was with the South Colonie School district where she taught kindergarten. She married her husband Ken on June 5, 1966 and they were together for a lovely 57 years. Rachel taught nursery school in Athens Georgia while she supported her husband through his college years. She then taught at the Kiddie Car Nursery School in Niskayuna. Her major interests became volunteering for The Quest for Grace Foundation where she provided assistance to many foster children over 12 years. She loved playing Bingo, reading and spending time with her best friends, Kay and Mary Ellen along with her sister in-law Nancy. She was protected by her dog Hooligan for 19 years along with Gabrielles cat, Mona for 4 years." The only cat she ever liked". She is survived by her Husband Kenneth DeCerce, her two cherished sons and their wives, Charles and Denise, David and Bonnie. They were her main charge until grandchildren came along. Gabrielle DeCerce, Zachary DeCerce and Melody DeCerce. She is survived by one brother Donald and Fran DeGregoria along with her niece Rachel DeGregoria-Sheil. Many other nieces and nephews survive as well. She was loved by many. We will miss her tenacious personality, and tenderness towards children. Ken feels she will always be his Beauty, forever. Calling hours are on Friday, February 16, from 5-8pm at the Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 17, at 9am at St. Mary's Church Crecent. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the following Charities: Quest for Grace Foundation. 802 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308 & DeGregorio Family Foundation, Research & Education for Stomach & Esophageal Cancer at degregorio.org. Family and Friends are invited to share on-line condolences and memories at www.CatricalaFuneralHome.com.