Elizabeth Ann Wardell

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Elizabeth Ann “Dee Dee” “Betty Ann” Wardell entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 26, 2016 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Dee Dee was born in Saratoga Springs. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Maria Lambert Smaldone of Saratoga Springs. She was also predeceased by her sister Mary Frances Smaldone in 2015. Dee Dee graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1964. She married her loving husband Edward on July 29, 1967. After graduating from Mildred Elley, she worked for NYS DMV and NYS Department of Tax and Finance until she became a stay-at-home mom. She went back to work in 1985 for the Saratoga Springs School District from which she retired in 2008. Dee Dee loved spending time with her family, friends, and grandchildren. She loved vacationing at the beach every summer and traveling with her husband to Italy, Alaska, Hawaii and Florida. She also enjoyed going to the casinos, shopping, and going to lunch with the “Hags.” She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Edward, of Saratoga Springs, daughters Kerri of Saratoga Springs and Kristin (Dave) Needham of Clifton Park; grandchildren Riley and Jameson of Clifton Park; one brother Daniel (Cindy) Smaldone of Kentucky and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff at Saratoga Hospital, Dr. Tracey Brennan, Dr. Hasnain and the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center especially her nurse Jessica and case manager Ellen for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion she received during her illness. Friends and relatives gathered to pay their respects on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 at the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 31 in St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs by the Rev. George J. Blasick, C.Ss.R., pastor. Burial followed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth’s family request donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation @ www.kidney.org, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation @ www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or the American Diabetes Association @ www.diabetes.org. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.