Camille Gabriela Ostendorf

A Tribute to Camille Ostendorf – A True One of a Kind

Camille Gabriela Ostendorf, born on July 29, 1943 in St. Louis, MO, passed away at her home in Fredericksburg, VA on June 14, 2025. She was the daughter of Raymond and Camille Mrozewski; and is survived by her loving husband, Cyril, son Greg and son Paul (Lisa) and six grandchildren: Christopher, Blaire (Tyler), Lauren, Ashley, Jared (Rachel) and Kayla, as well as sisters Irene (Tom), Donna (Tim), and brother Ray (Jane).

Camille was a true dichotomy - fiery yet full of grace. She loved fiercely, lived passionately, and had an unabashed opinion on just about everything. She never met a stranger she couldn't strike up a conversation with, and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, even if just for a moment.

With a heart of gold and generosity that knew no bounds, Camille was deeply devoted to her family. Her greatest love story was the one she lived with her beloved husband, Cyril - a priceless romance that spanned more than 60 years. In her early letters to him, she would often sign off with simple, enduring devotion: "Your Dove."

Her vivacious spirit was truly one of a kind - a "one-hit wonder" whose brilliance will never be replicated. Camille's world revolved around her husband, her two sons, Greg and Paul, and her six grandchildren, whom she adored with all her heart. Camille also shared a deep bond with her brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She loved fully, freely, and without hesitation.

A poem from her grandson, Jared, captures the essence of who she was and how deeply she will be missed:

Fiery Spirit, Amazing Grace

All the Precious Moments, Shown on her Face

Never Ending Faith, Tidal Wave of Emotion

A Love Never Ending, And of Pure Devotion

I will miss your heart, Smile Warm as the Sun

A Love Never Ending, Goodbye from your Grandson

In music, we find echoes of her spirit. Ed Sheeran's lyrics capture our heartfelt memories of Mom and the love that sprung from her being:

"We have a packed photo album etched in our minds we had made, memories of a life that's been loved."

"A life with love is a life that's been lived. "

"We are tearing up, but I know, a heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved."

"So, I'll sing Hallelujah, you were an angel in the shape of my mom. When I fell down, you'd be there holding me up. Spread your wings as you go."

"That when God took you back, He said, "Hallelujah, you're home."

A Celebration of Life is being planned to take place in St. Louis, MO in the fall of 2025.