Amy M. Pape Neish

April 7, 1960 – July 8, 2018

Surrounded by family and friends, Amy died peacefully at home early Sunday morning after a year-long battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her mother Rachel, and is survived by her husband David and their sons Giotto (Maggie) and Giulio Zampogna. Born in Castro Valley, California, Amy grew up in Los Angeles as the only child of Rachel E. Pape, MD. Visits to family in New Jersey and the Pocono Mountains and an interrupted attendance at Skidmore College sowed the seeds of her love for lands greener and less crowded than those of her native city. She moved with her sons to Groton, New York in 2004. In 2005 she met Dave, and two years later they married. Amy worked full-time at Cornell University for 13 years where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in 2017.

From the drawings and paintings she’d done since an early age, to the ever-evolving home and gardens she created with her husband Dave, Amy’s artistic nature was expressed throughout her life. She drew, painted, sang, gardened, sewed, knitted, cooked, canned, baked, and wrote. She cared deeply about the oceans, climate change, and the environment. She was passionate about the world around her, and longed to contribute to a more sustainable and humane culture.

Amy enriched the lives of her family, friends and colleagues with her spirit and passion. She was a gifted artist and writer, an avid gardener, a loving wife, mother and friend. Her presence is greatly missed. Funeral services will be private. A memorial service is being planned for the Fall.

Please direct donations in Amy’s memory to the SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, or Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.