Violet Ammagliati Zelyez

July 26, 1927 - August 19, 2025

Violet Ammagliati Zelyez was born on July 26, 1927, to Renato Cesare Ammagliati and Concettina Gurrieri. She married the love of her life, John Joseph Zelyez, on November 21, 1948, in Mount Pleasant, New York.

Together, they raised four sons who kept them on their toes: John Zelyez (Lauretta) of Mahopac, NY; Michael Zelyez (Arleen) of Brasher Falls, NY; Raymond Zelyez of Scotrun, PA; and Richard Zelyez of Long Pond, PA. She was the cherished sister of Tosca Brophy.

Her beloved husband, John passed away on July 8, 1997, in Westchester, New York, at the age of 71, after 48 loving years of marriage.

Vi, affectionately known as "Red" for her vibrant red hair, divided her time between Sleepy Hollow, New York, and the Pocono Mountains, for most of her life. In her early years, she served as head cook for the North Tarrytown School District, nourishing countless students with her culinary talents.

Before moving to Long Pond, PA, with her family, Violet was a devoted Eucharistic minister at St. Teresa of Avila and an active member of the Sleepy Hollow Senior Center, touching lives wherever she went.

Those who knew Violet will remember her extraordinary gifts. She possessed a magical ability to grow anything, once even cultivating a pomegranate tree from seed that flourished and bore fruit! Her talented hands created beautiful blankets through crocheting and knitting, works of art in bright, joyful colors that are treasured by many.

Violet found peace in life's simple pleasures: spending quiet hours on her deck watching hummingbirds, enjoying Italian music videos, and taking leisurely car rides with her son Richard, especially those that passed Walter Dam, where she would stop to gather wildflowers.

Her memory will live on through her beloved grandchildren: Christopher Zelyez, Craig Zelyez (Michelle Zelyez), Nicole Zelyez-Smirnova (Alexei Smirnov), and Michael Zelyez; and her precious great-grandchildren: Jack Zelyez, Joey Zelyez, Nina Smirnova, and Sasha Smirnov.

Her grandchildren will forever remember her for her enchanting gardens, her tireless enthusiasm for gin rummy games, and her boundless love (and baked goods!) that made every moment special.

Above all, hers was a life lived with love, creativity, and the ability to make everything around her flourish. Like her gardens, her legacy blooms eternal