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Amelia Habicht Obituary
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Amelia grew up as the seventh of eight children in suburban Detroit, earned her bachelor's degree in pure mathematics at the University of Michigan and a master's degree in school counseling at Bowling Green State University. She worked her entire professional career in Ithaca, New York, where she met the love of her life – Oliver B. Habicht.
Oliver and Amelia built a loving and fun family in Oliver's home town. They met skydiving in July 1993 and each earned their private pilot's license. The two became parents in December 1999 when their son Peter B. Habicht came into the world. In September 2001 their daughter Cadence B. Habicht was born, completing their family.
Her world revolved around her love for her children.
Amelia loved cooking, traveling, exploring and adventuring. As a family, they traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, Alaska, Costa Rica, Peru, Europe and nearly everywhere in between. She competed in triathlons and marathons and twice rode her bike across America and pedaled through France.
Amelia suffered a devastating stroke on June 11, 2009, which left her with significant challenges. She demonstrated grit and determination every day, striving to improve, working to regain what she had lost and inspiring her friends and family along the way.
In March 2014, she delivered a TedX Talk at Ithaca College, titled The Power of Determination. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq_D1CiGC1M In a conversation on Christmas Day 2023, she told her sister Laura that she still hadn't given up on the dream that she'd run again.
Amelia suffered another devastating blow when her husband, Oliver, died of pancreatic cancer in September 2020.
Amelia is survived by her loving children, Peter and Cadence of Ithaca, her father-in-law Jean Pierre (Gretel Pelto) Habicht of Connecticut, siblings Jean Moran of Columbus, Ohio, Joyce Bischoff of Boston, Paul (Jeanette) Bischoff of California, Laura Bischoff (Dan Schlichting) of Columbus, Ohio and Matthew Bischoff of Denver, brother-in-law Christopher (Penny) Habicht of Anchorage, sister-in-law Heidi (Randy) Habicht of Providence, RI and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by Oliver, her mother-in-law Pat Habicht, brother Peter Bischoff, sister Martha Bischoff and nephew Thomas Moran.
Arrangements for a memorial services are pending
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J Sieglaff
May 26, 2025
I remember seeing her dedication to finish a race, she was amazing! She never took anything for granted and had the best work ethic I´ve ever seen. Amelia was an inspiration on a daily basis and a reminder to appreciate everything.
J Hoffman
February 1, 2025
So saddened to hear of her passing. She was such an inspiration in her courageousness and determination.
Geni Fritch
February 25, 2024
Seaholm flexie
Chic
Need we say more
Michael Smith
January 15, 2024
As a runner in Ithaca I first encountered Amelia at the Skunk Cabbage Half Marathon--it must have been in about 2012 or 2013. I was humbled by her tenacity and determination to keep moving, to keep RUNNING as best she could after the stroke. She was a true profile in courage and an inspiration. I'm sorry that we have lost her.
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H Hopkins
January 12, 2024
I am so shocked to hear of your passing. We just celebrated the holidays at our usual hangout. I will remember your determination and friendliness. Bright blessings on your memory.
Brian Rohan
January 10, 2024
R.I.P. Amelia you were among the first to make us feel welcome at the Swim Club. We will miss you.
Heather Scott
January 10, 2024
On behalf of the Ithaca swim club board, we are so sorry to hear this! Amelia has been on our board for the past six years and was an insightful and enthusiastic participant in all events at the pool. We will miss her during our morning lap swims, social events, and evening meetings! Condolences to Cady and Peter.
Ellen F. O'Pray
January 8, 2024
First of all, I would like to explain how I met Amelia, I met her through running. I am a retired Officer From Cornell University Police and some of the Ithaca based runs went through Cornell University Campus. Her grit and tenacity was not lost on me. My running group was usually in the same events as she was. I tended to stay behind and pace myself with Amelia to keep her company. We
got our mileage in and we chatted about everything under the sun. I will miss my running pal. Will see you on the other side my friend. Ellen.
Robin Bingham
January 8, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Amelia's passing. I met Amelia while I was on sabbatical at Cornell in 2008. Our daughters were in the same grade and good friends. Amelia and Oliver visited us twice at our home in Gunnison, CO. It was fun to share our love of the outdoors, adventure, biking, hiking, running and swimming. My deepest condolences to Cady and Peter, and to all of Amelia's family.
Susan Lacette
January 8, 2024
I knew Amelia slightly from the Y and saw her last just a few weeks ago. I very much admired her determination and am so sorry to hear of her passing. Condolences to the family.
Peter
January 7, 2024
It saddens me to hear of Amelia´s passing. I met her when we worked near each other at Cornell. Her daughter and my daughter are about the same age. Amelia was one of the kindest people I ever met at work.
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