Lucy Lydia Makebish

Lucy Lydia Makebish, 76, a longtime resident of Rhinebeck, passed away unexpectedly on August 16, 2023 at her home.

Born on May 19, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Andrew S. and May (Curti) Ambrosio.

Lucy was a proud graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn, NY, and attended a semester of secretarial school before landing her dream job as a receptionist at MGM. Lucy loved living in the city and vacationing with her family upstate, where she met her late husband, Peter Makebish. The two were married in 1970 and became the parents to fraternal twin boys shortly after, in 1971. Following Peter’s death in  1974, Lucy became a single parent of the boys. Lucy was an amazing mom who lived for her children and grandchildren. In 1987, Lucy became the library clerk at Mill Road Elementary School and was a proud employee of the district for the remainder of her life. In her time at Mill Road, Lucy became a cornerstone in the library and school community as a whole, helping to foster a love of reading in many children while simultaneously forming lasting relationships with students and colleagues.

Lucy’s employment at MGM ignited a passion for film and entertainment that only grew with time. She was once the proud fan club president of Hollywood actor, Tony Bill; after writing to him, Lucy formed a bond with Tony and his family, and was frequently invited to be a guest at his estate in CA. Lucy was also a member of her high school’s dance team, competing with them at prestigious events such as New York’s World Fair. She continued to dance for much of her adult life and was invited to choreograph many musicals at Rhinebeck High School. 

Lucy adored everything related to the entertainment industry, regularly quoting a myriad of old Hollywood films, Broadway musicals, and James Patterson mystery novels. Some of her favorite entertainers and authors included Richard Gere, Marlin Brando, Al Pacino, Stephen King, and Natalie Wood. She loved the musicals Bye Bye Birdie, Gypsy, The Wizard of Oz, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, and was even in the audience during the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line. She loved to laugh and would watch comedians such as Larry David, Danny DeVito, Steve Martin, Chris Rock, and anyone from the cast of SNL, maintaining an ability to quote their routines verbatim.

Though Lucy was a star in all aspects of her life, her light and passion shone the brightest in the way she loved her family. She never missed any event, from graduation to dance recitals, and she never missed an opportunity to give away flowers. She was always proud of her children and grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to socialize. From taxi drivers to restaurant owners, Lucy formed meaningful connections with almost everyone and had a unique ability to make those around her feel special and cared for. 

Lucy is survived by her son Peter; her son Andrew and his wife, Ana as well as her six grandchildren, Miry (33), Lucy (26), Leo (23), Aliyah (15), Ava Lou (6) and Micah (5).  

There are no calling hours. 

A  Service and Reception will be held at the Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery St. in Rhinebeck on August 21, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm.

Memorial donations in honor of Lucy can be made to the Rhinebeck Starr Library. 

Arrangements under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck, NY. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lucy Lydia Makebish, please visit our floral store.