Margaret (Durse) "Marge" Rella

Margaret (Durse) “Marge” Rella
Frankfort, New York

On Wednesday evening, July 6, 2022, in the presence of those she loved, the Lord took Margaret (Durse) “Marge” Rella (a lifelong Frankfort resident) home to heaven to be with her beloved Anthony "Tony" Rella in Shakopee, MN, where she had been residing with family.

Margaret was born on April 14, 1923 in Frankfort, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (DiMaggio) Durse and educated in Frankfort school where she graduated high school. On December 2, 1944, Margaret was joined in marriage with the former Anthony “Tony” Rella (a Pearl Harbor survivor) in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort with Father Hogan officiating. Throughout their 62-year union, the couple provided each other with support, strength, commitment, and respect. Mr. Rella passed away on October 25, 2007 in the Reese Road home, Frankfort. Margaret was last employed with the former MDS, Herkimer. For the past several years, she had been residing in Minnesota to be closer to her children, who took wonderful care of her. Mrs. Rella was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church, Frankfort.

Margaret was known for her strength of character as well as for embracing the needs of other people. In fact, she was quite selfless and remained that way through the last moments of her life. The matriarch of her family, Margaret is remembered for watching over each person with love and great care. Her kindness and thoughtfulness towards others were never to be outdone. Those who were blessed to see Margaret often found her with a smile on her face and kindness in her heart. She was a pleasure to be around and was the life of the party. The family fondly recalls visits to the Friendly Bake Shop following Sunday Mass in Frankfort for Italian bread and pastries. Mrs. Rella would be home preparing the Sunday ritual waiting for several family members and friends that would enjoy Marge’s culinary talents. There was always an open door at the Rella residence, where everyone was welcome and appreciated. Margaret was a selfless soul who will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

She will be deeply missed by her loving family: her children: Elizabeth Fiato of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Anthony "Bud" Rella and wife Lori of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, Ann Klegin and husband Randy of Branson, Missouri, Cindy Harris and husband Ron of Prior Lake, Minnesota; sister, Madeline Rella of Oriskany; survivors also include her cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth, Alexandria, Rocco Fiato, Anthony and Mary Rella, Todd "T.J" Nix, Christin Klegin, Michael and Joseph Harris; four adored great grandchildren, Blaze, Rose, Frankie and Rocco; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Mary, siblings, Frances “Chic” Irons, Tony Stabile, Mary Stabile, Grace (Stabile) Povia, Annette (Durse) Pawlinga, Flora (Durse) Jones, her twin sister, Pearl (Durse) Rusteburg and Yolonda (Durse) Speer.

Margaret’s pre-arranged wishes are under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131. A service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 1st commencing at 12 noon.  Relatives and friends may pay their respects on June 1st at MVFC from 11 am until 12 noon, prior to the service. Interment will be private and take place at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, with her beloved husband. Kindly consider memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory to St. Francis Society, 152 8th Ave., Frankfort, NY 13340, (Attn: secretary) as her father, Joseph Durse, was one of the founding members of the club. The Rella family is so grateful to all for the many acts of kindness and compassion during their difficult time.