Angeline T. "Angie" (Enea) Strail

Mrs. Angeline T. "Angie" (Enea) Strail, age 83, a long-time Ilion resident, entered into Heaven on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Wynn Hospital, Utica, following a brief illness. At the time of her passing, Angie had her devoted son, Erik Strail, at her side, offering his love and support.

Angie was born in Herkimer, on July 17, 1941, daughter of the late Ascanio “Bing” (who came from Italian ancestors) and Grace (Maneen) Enea. She was educated in local schools. In her early years, Angie enjoyed being a crossing guard in the Village of Ilion. As a young lady, Angie spent many pleasurable times at Sylvan Beach along with cherished times at the family camp at Evergreen Lake. On May 1, 1965, at Annunciation Church, Ilion, Angie was united in marriage with Arthur “Mickey” Strail; a devoted union of 46 years until his sudden passing on June 29, 2011. Mr. and Mrs. Strail operated Mike’s Home Aquarium Fish Store in the 1970’s along with the Corner Dollhouse for over 10 years, both in Ilion. Angie considered her most important job taking care of her husband, son and home.

She was most loyal to the people and things that were important to her in life and was one of those women who could be most humbly proud of simple achievements. Angie devoted herself to the goals she believed in, and her family, particularly to her adored son, Erik. She believed in him and supported everything he did in life. The love she had for Erik and the watchful eye she kept over him knew no bounds. Angie was a strong, sensitive, determined, gracious, and meticulous mother and so special to Erik. Through the years, Angie was always active with her son, notably the many trips they went on together (with mom as co-pilot) to one of their favorite places which included Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, and Maine, where she recently visited the same area in Portland, where her family settled, after arriving from Caserta, Italy.

Angie enjoyed anything that had to do with the ocean and preferably sharks, as proven by the many ocean-themed trinkets in her home. She loved to collect doll houses and was an extraordinary cook, never failing to miss a Sunday with homemade sauce. Angie maintained a simple life, and her actions, kindness, and generosity were the Lord's work that she chose to do. Football was a sport she enjoyed watching, especially her Cincinnati Bengals and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She was of the Catholic Faith which was obvious by the many Catholic icons in her home, she collected over the years. We will forever miss her for her kindness and compassion and will honor her life by doing the same in our own lives.

She leaves her son at home in Utica, Erik M. Strail; her cherished brother, Jules Enea and wife Ginny of Ilion; two special nieces, Stephanie Vulcano and husband Lou and family of Whitesboro and Lisa Dolin and husband Robert and family of Alaska. Also surviving are many dear cousins. Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Julius and Angelina Enea and Anthony and Mayme Maneen.

Angie’s family will be present at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131 (Daniel J. Enea, Director) where relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will commence at 7 pm, also on Tuesday, at MVFC with the Rev. Brian Slezak, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls officiating. Spring burial will take place in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. A special thank you is extended to the doctors, nurses and entire staff at Wynn Hospital, Utica for the outstanding care and compassion offered during this difficult time. Angie was comforted by the words of the “Our Father” prayer prior to entering Heaven. Also, a heartfelt thank you to all the many relatives and friends for reaching out and being there for Erik, as he truly lost his best friend.