Ida Mae Cammarata

Ida Cammarata (née Scime) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of David J. Cammarata and the devoted mother of Michele Cammarata, Pamela Cammarata, AmyLynn Cammarata, and Julie (Timothy) Clark. She was the cherished grandmother of Emily Gerstenzang, Abigail Gerstenzang, Macy Clark, and Noah Clark. Ida was the dear sister of JoAnn Scime, Anthony (Elaine) Scime, and the late Vincent (Mary Jane) Scime. She is also survived by many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Ida enjoyed her years working with students and faculty at Nichols School and The Park School.

Ida loved to travel with Dave. They travelled to Bermuda, Hawaii, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. Ironically, the place she loved most was closest to her home and heart: Chautauqua Lake. Ida and Dave spent 34 years building a legacy here. Most often, Ida could be found in the kitchen preparing meals and amazing pies in anticipation of the arrival of family and friends. If she wasn’t in the kitchen, you would find her on the water in her favorite spot: right next to Dave on the boat. She spent many days on “Ida’s Kitchen,” as Dave’s co-captain instructing him to “slow down” or behind the boat on skis telling him to “speed up.” She was a proud member of the Garden Club in Maple Springs, NY. Ida shared much of herself through the work of her hands, creating warmth, and meaning in the everyday moments of family life. She delighted in making holidays and celebrations special: handcrafting Halloween costumes, rolling out pie dough, baking Christmas cookies and birthday cakes that became cherished traditions. Her creativity was also a reflection of her unwavering faith, as she lovingly made prayer shawls and Rosaries, offering comfort, connection and prayer to those who received them. In all she made, Ida knitted her creativity, devotion, and love, leaving behind memories to be cherished by all who love her.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, March 25th, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the Dengler Roberts Perna Funeral Home, located at 3070 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 26th at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 1085 Englewood Ave., Tonawanda, NY at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ida’s name to Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.