Camille Ann Thiele

Camille Ann Thiele (D'Onofrio), born November 19th, 1949 passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on November 17th, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Olga Ryder, her birth mother Louise D'Onofrio, her grandparents Josephine and Edward Ryder, and Marie and Leo Larsen, her brothers "Buddy" and Bill Ryder, "Auntie Dot", and her cousin Ruth Ann Sellitti.

Camille leaves behind a loving family; her husband Robert Thiele, son David Thiele, daughter Lisa (Chris) Losito, granddaughters Mia Thiele and Lillian Losito, brother Jim (Doris) Ryder, sister Teresa Pounds, sister Brenda Coard, and sister-in-law Maureen Ryder. She is also survived by her cousin, Frank (Irene) D'Onofrio, several nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.

Camille was adopted at six months old and grew up in Greenlawn, NY. She graduated from John H. Glenn High School in 1969. In her college years, Camille first attended Suffolk Community College for two years studying nursing before attending Brockport State University and earning a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education in 1974. While she was enrolled in Suffolk, she worked at Cupola Nursing Home as an aide caring for residents. At Brockport, she met the love of her life, Robert Thiele. They married on May 21, 1977, and were blessed with 48 beautiful years together. They welcomed their son, David, in 1982, followed by their daughter, Lisa, in 1984.

After graduating college, Camille initially taught in the Special School District in Long Island, NY. After moving to St. Louis, Missouri, she taught in the Fourth Free Will Baptist School between 1980-1982. Camille then initially tutored at St. Louis Christian Academy, before becoming an elementary school teacher there for 26 years. She taught both of her children in her class, and many other students she had over the years remember her fondly.

Camille dedicated her life to God on March 19th, 1976 and was a devout Christian ever since. She served faithfully for many years at Fourth Free Will Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher and choir singer, before becoming a dedicated member of her most recent church, Trinity Free Will Baptist, where she sang and played tambourine in the praise team. She and her husband Bob led a nursing home ministry for several years, and in recent years they volunteered with their church to package meals for the homeless.

On January 13th, 1997, Camille joined TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) and remained a member until her passing. During her years in TOPS, she was an inspiration to others in her group and formed many treasured friendships.

Our mom always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude for everyone she came in contact with, even during the toughest times of her cancer battle - still cracking jokes a few days before she passed. She had a zest for life and always loved going places and spending time with family and friends. Her greatest joy was being a Nana. She loved and collected teddy bears, along with her "Sissy", Sue Winchester. She especially loved to sing. Also in her personal life, she held a passion for TV shows like I Love Lucy, Hogan’s Heroes, and Wheel of Fortune. A fan of classic cinema, her favorite films included The Sound of Music, Westside Story, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Her favorite color was purple and she often included it in her everyday style.

Camille’s life was a demonstration of love and service to others. Her infectious smile and unwavering kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We find comfort in knowing that her teachings will continue to touch the lives of many through the lasting memories we all share.

A visitation will be held at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home, located at 11101 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074, on November 22, 2025, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 11:00 am, with committal service at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.