Herkimer - Olga Marie Mornelli Fusco, 96, passed away peacefully at Little Falls Hospital, on March 21, 2017,  surrounded by the support and love of her family.

Olga was born in Monti, Massa Cararra Italy, on November 16, 1920. On December 1, 1922, she and her mother arrived at Ellis Island, via the ship, Conte Rosso. Upon arrival, they traveled to Little Falls, New York, to join her father who had arrived one year earlier, to establish a home for his family, in America. As the oldest child, of Angelo and Isola (Forestieri) Mornelli, Olga always took on a great sense of pride, to help her parents, by working hard and assisting them with her five younger siblings, Gino, Rena, Harry, Elda and Silvio(Ronnie).

As a young student, Olga always strived for perfection. She was considered a bookworm, always reading and studying. She even received a Nursing Scholarship, but never had the opportunity to accept it. That is why, throughout her life, she spent countless hours volunteering, for the American Red Cross, at bloodbanks; as a young candy striper; as a nurse's aide; as a VFW Ladies Auxiliary officer and member. Due to her unselfish giving and service to the community, The Michael S. Pliseck, Post 4915, of the VFW, honored Olga with the Citation of Good Citizenship, on February 28,1998.

On October 2, 1949, she married Gregory Fusco in Joseph's Church in Little Falls, New York. They were married, for 63 years, until his passing on August 9, 2013.

In November 1950, Greg and Olga started their family. First came their son, Benjamin in 1950 followed by their daughter Angela in 1954 and Salvatore in 1960. 

As a proud Herkimer Southside family, the values of instilling a strong Italian heritage was apparent. Sunday pasta dinners, and also, Thursdays; winemaking; homemade pasta; elaborate holidays with food, food, and more food. Olga was known for her famous "Pizzelles".

Each and every year Olga and Greg had their garden. If anyone needed vegetables, they had them. They braided their garlic, dried their basil and endlessly canned tomatoes, fruits and pickles. Olga's "Bread and Butter" were the Best.

Olga was a resilient person. She always "picked herself back up" and kept going no matter what she had to endure. Her hard work ethic; her love to socialize with everyone around her; her uncanny sense of humor; her ability to crochet, knit, sew and venture into projects was a joy to watch, especially her new founded coloring.

With much heartache due to the passing of her two sons, Benjie and Salvatore, she was given a sense of joy with the birth of her three grandchildren, Gregory Paul, Beth and Luke. She even was given a nickname, which till the very day she died, was a part of her. Her grandchildren, close friends, and family members called her "Don't". She would say to the kids when they were little, don't touch this or that, don't, so they started to call her "Don't". This name stuck with her, where she herself used it quite often, such as, when calling on the phone and acknowledging this is "Don't". We loved this because it was such a unique part of who she was.

Olga also had another family. Last June she moved to Valley Residential in East Herkimer. She had her own little world. Her beautiful apartment, cozy with her family mementos. Her new friends, her new family who gave her the ability to once again socialize and reconnect with people, from her own generation. She loved it and cherished it. From our Family to the Valley Residential Family, thank you for your love, respect and devotion given to Olga.

Olga is survived by her daughter, Angela. Her grandchildren, Gregory Paul LaPorte, Luke LaPorte, Beth (Dan) Harris. Her brother, Harry (Bonnie) Little Falls; brother Ronnie (Barb) Dolgeville, of which were there, by her side, at the end, offering continued love and support; sister-in-law Lucy Yturralde (Texas); brother-in-law Rudolph Scialdo (Herkimer); sister-in-laws Theresa(Sissy) Fusco (Herkimer); Josephine Fusco (Herkimer); brother-in-law Clark Workman (Ann) (Florida); a very special sister-in-law who was always there by her side, Claudine Grande (Herkimer) and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Olga was pre-deceased by her husband, Gregory. Her two sons Benjamin and Salvatore Fusco. Her son-in-law, Paul LaPorte, whom she cherished. Her brother Gino Mornelli and sisters, Rena Scialdo and Elda Varano. Her in-laws Connie Mornelli, Gregory Varano, Brady(Fred) Trimboli, Leonard Fusco, Orlando(Mary) Fusco, baby Guerino, Adeline (Dominick) Lilli, Emma(Nick) Lanza, Arthur(Patricia) Fusco, Anthony Fusco, Marian Workman, Olina(Jack) Quinn, Dominick Grande. A cherished niece Kathy Varano Bortniak and nephews Gregory Paul Mornelli and John Fusco.

Lastly, our family would like to thank the devoted, empathetic, and loving Family of the 3rd floor at Little Falls Hospital. Each and every individual, treated Olga and her family with utmost respect, dignity, absolute compassion and professionalism, at such a difficult time. There are too many names to name, but remember that each and everyone of you will always be embedded in our hearts, and you should be so proud of yourselves.

Since this has been a very difficult road for Olga's immediate family, we will have a memorial service, at a later date, at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, to accommodate family members and friends. When the flowers are out, the air is fresh, and a multitude of colors fill the landscape, we will memorialize Olga with much love and respect. 

If you wish to make a donation in Olga's memory, please consider St. Jude Children's Hospital,  501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The American Red Cross PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (Next to NBT Bank), 527 East Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.

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