Elda Mae (Hendrickson) Aquila

YORK- Elda Mae (Hendrickson) Aquila, 90, formerly of Hubbard, Iowa passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday evening, June 8, 2013. She was the beloved wife of her late husband, Albert A. Aquila. Elda Mae was born March 18, 1923, in Hubbard, IA. She was the daughter of the late Mayo and Helen (Gelhaus) Hendrickson. She grew up on a farm outside of Hubbard, and attended Grant #4 Country School. She graduated from Hubbard High School in 1940. After moving to Des Moines, she graduated from American Institute of Business. She met her husband, Albert, after WWII in Des Moines while he was attending Drake University and she was working at the Chamber of Commerce. On July 20, 1947, they were married. They later moved to Iselin, NJ where Albert continued his education at Rutgers University and Elda worked as a secretary at The Royal Exchange Assurance in New York City. She continued to work in NY until they started a family. She spent the rest of her life enjoying her passion as a homemaker by raising and caring for her family. In 1985, they retired to York, PA. Elda’s joy was being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always found it pleasurable when her family was near. Her home was a special place where everyone felt welcome. She was a wonderful cook, an avid gardener, and a thoughtful confidant. To those who knew her, she was always there to listen to them and offered a kind word. She joins her dear husband, Albert, and those remaining to cherish her memory are her four children, Sandra Russo and husband, Anthony of Millington, N.J., Jean Gabsewics and husband, Edward of York, Pa., Robert Aquila of Hummelstown, Pa., and Catherine Gale and husband, Robert of York, Pa.; six grandchildren, Caroline and husband, Robert; Mario and wife, Cindy; Brian and wife, Jonelle; Joseph, Emily, and David; one great-grandchild, Lily; her sisters and their families, Lois Norato of Barnegat, NJ and Joyce Dubberke of McFarland, WI. and other close family members and friends. A viewing will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, on June 14, at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 1551 Kenneth Road, York, Pa. Viewing will also be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, with a service to celebrate Elda's life beginning at 10 a.m., at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, York, Pa. Burial at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Tracy Conner. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Country Meadow Employee Assistance Fund, 830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.