Obituary of Camille M. Fisher

After suffering from a fall, our mother, guardian and friend, Camille Bertone Martuscello Fisher, returned home on January 21, 2022. She was 90 years old. 

Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 10, 1931, she and her twin sister, Grace were two of eight children born to Isadore and Mary (Mollica) Bertone. 

As a young woman, Camille had hoped to enter a convent and dedicate her life to Christ. But, while working at St. Stephen’s Sacred Heart Church Youth Center, she met, fell in love and eventually married her husband of 23 years, Joseph Wm. Martuscello. Relocating to Amsterdam NY, and soon afterwards, Little Falls NY, they had seven children together.

During the late 1970’s, as she settled into life in Mohawk NY, Camille became a foster mother to several children and later became the legal guardian to three young girls who, with their own children, brought joy to her life.

For many years, Camille worked as a dedicated Nurse’s Aide. She taught Bible Studies in the Mohawk-Ilion area and as an Eucharisitic Minister, she volunteered her time with Jail Ministry, administering communion to detainees at the Herkimer County Jail. 

In her retirement, Camille entered the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites of the Community of Our Lady of Calvary in Utica, NY.  Fulfilling her dream of becoming the nun she’d so often talked about being, Camille was overjoyed when the Carmelites welcomed her as Carmela of the Child Mary. With her dearest friend, Lydia Sexton, she attended many religious retreats and helped with Catholic Charities when she could. Camille was an incredible art teacher, enjoyed the outdoors, and was always there to help others by Storming the Gates of Heaven with prayers.

Among many things, Camille will be remembered for her warm smile, her sense of humor and the wonderful time she’d have on the dance floor! She was a loving, vibrant woman who loved her children, her church community and her many close friends. She will be sorely missed.

Camille was preceded in death by her son, Joseph William Martuscello, Jr., and is survived by her children: Rosalyn M. Carroll (Charlie) of Manlius NY, Roxanne Martyniuk (David) of Dolgeville NY, Nanette M. Scogin (Joel) of Watkins Glen NY, Yvonne Kovits (Fred) of Little Falls NY, Michelle Miles (Jonathan) of Jerusalem Israel, and Bill Martuscello (Christine) of Mystic CT. Camille was blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, her adopted daughters Brittany Cook Bertone (Oneonta NY), Alicia Fisher (Ilion NY) and Alexandra Fisher (New York Mills NY) and their children. She was predeceased by her brothers Salvatore, Thomas and John and sisters, Ann Plude, Mary Balchumas, Grace Maglio and Natalie Green Bailey.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday morning, January 29, 2022 at 10:30 in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, S. Frankfort St., Frankfort with Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor celebrating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 3-6 PM at the V. J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave., Frankfort.

Camille’s family would like to thank the dedication and compassionate care given her at the Masonic Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Cathoilic Charities, 61 West St, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy on Camille's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com