Obituary of Christel Teresa Spargo

Christel T. Spargo of Rome went home to be with the Lord on December 20th, 2018. Christel was born December 24th, 1929 in Berlin Charlottenberg, Germany. Daughter of Adolph and Hertha Schreiber and sister of Anita Heinig, all predeceased. Christel was also the great granddaughter of Anna Sobestschanskaja who was the prima ballerina of the Boshoi Theatre in Moscow in 1877. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky the composer of "Swan Lake" created a new third act, pas de deux, for Anna Sobestschanskaja. Christel was educated in public and private schools in Germany. Her Education was cut short by the end of World War II. Christel married Robert L. Voorhees in Germany and traveled to the United States living in Batavia, New York before making her home in Rome, New York. The twenty-five year marriage was blessed with two children, Gertrude Voorhees Vinci and Gordon R. Voorhees. In 1975 she was united in marriage to James Spargo III. Her family grew with three step-children, James Spargo IV, Louise Glasso and Paul Spargo. Between the two families she has many grandchildren in the states and nieces and nephews in Germany who all have cherished memories. Christel traveled extensively throughout the world and wintered in Aruba. Christel was an avid video photographer. Her videos have enriched many people allowing them to have the same experience she had during her travels. She developed her passion for cooking and sewing at an early age and showcased her remarkable talent and originality. Her inspiration surrounded her throughout her life and is passed down to her children. Christel joined the First Baptist Church of Rome, New York in 1956 and it has been a very important part of her life. She will be laid to rest with her husband James of 19 years in Rome Cemetery. She will be sadly missed by family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 27, 2018, at 10 A.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 from 4-7 P.M. Interment will take place in Rome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions in Christel Spargo's name to the First Baptist Church of Rome, 310 W. Embargo St., Rome, NY 13440.