Ilion: Mary Ellen (Van Valkenburgh) Croce died on December 9, 2010 at Abraham House, Utica, with her devoted daughter at her bedside. Mary Ellen was born in Lexington, NY on April 8, 1926 to Ira Neal and Isabel (Kinch) Van Valkenburgh. On May 11, 1947, she married Gennaro Croce in St. Johnsville. Together they enjoyed a loving union of almost 32 years until his passing in February 1979. She lived most of her adult life in Fort Plain, but has lived with her daughter in Ilion for the last two years. Mary Ellen worked at Beechnut Gum Factory in Canajoharie for her entire working life. Her loving family, daughter Judith R. Simonette and her boyfriend Spencer Potter survive Mrs. Croce, along with her grandson, William Bibik of Fort Plain, great-grandson, Anthony Bibik and great-granddaughter, Harmony Miller, her brothers, Lewis and Hugh Van Valkenburgh, and sisters, Evelyn Smith and Mina Sweet, and a sister-in-law, Crestina Smith, and their families. Her husband, Gennaro, a daughter, Patricia Ann Croce, a brother, Ira Neal Van Valkenburgh, and a sister, Hattie Hogan, along with many other relatives, predeceased her. There are no calling hours or services. Donations in Mary Ellen’s memory may be made to or Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501. The family wishes to thank Hospice and Abraham House for their care and support, with a very special thank you to Irene Kurtelawcz, a wonderful nurse and friend who was there supporting Mary Ellen and her daughter during this difficult journey. The family is being served by Daniel J. Enea, Funeral Director, Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY 13357 (894-8000). To add to Mary Ellen’s online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.