Andrea Hintermeister

Andrea Dineo Hintermeister of Harris, NY a longtime area resident, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Garnet Health Medical Center, Middletown, NY.  She was 37.

The daughter of Von and Nalukui Mwisiya Hintermeister, she was born September 19, 1986 in Syracuse, New York.

Andrea came early to the party at just over three pounds but immediately began a lifetime pattern of stealing hearts, beginning with her dad. When her brother was born four years later, she beamed at him until the day she realized he was coming home with her and she would have to share the spotlight. But he quickly became her best friend and was Andrea’s designated wheelchair pusher, even after an incident when she ended up in a ditch with her feet in the air, giggling her head off. After a few years she was ready for some female companionship. She delighted in holding her newborn sister in her lap, and in taking long warm baths with her and their mother.

Andrea had a spotty work history - she was fired from her first job of babysitting her siblings when she was discovered to not only tolerate but to encourage their shenanigans. When work fell through, she turned her attentions to finding the perfect boyfriend. Her first pediatrician was handsome enough, but it turned out he played for the other team, so that didn’t work out. At nineteen she went to her first Prom with, predictably, a much younger man. She dumped him when he fell asleep during the second dance. She finally settled on her primary doctor at the Center for Discovery, although she couldn’t help noticing when a young resident would walk through the door.

Andrea reached a point in her life when she got tired of sitting at home with her boring old dad, so she embraced a beloved second family at the Center for Discovery. Her social life blossomed at the Center, where Andrea quickly became the diva in her house (no matter what that silly girl down the hall thinks). Her new sisters took her shopping for wild outfits, designed her trend-setting hairstyles, and amused her with all the latest gossip. Every Friday they took her to the Infusion Center at Catskill, where the nurses there fell in love with her and would dance for her, apply flavored lip gloss, and paint her nails. Andrea’s caregivers and housemates shared all kinds of new music, many cozy holiday dinners, and unforgettable memories.

Andrea’s heart was bursting with joy and love. She would scream with delight when she heard her parents coming down the hall to visit and would shine like the sun when her brother or sister accompanied them. Her favorite hobby was letting her mother climb into bed with her so they could watch trashy TV together and nap the afternoon away. She always assumed the best about everyone, and her personality charmed everybody she met. Her happy shrieks and peals of laughter brightened the lives of anyone within earshot. She was the rare person who knew only love throughout her entire life, yet radiated even more.

When the time came for Andrea to leave us, she did so comfortably and without distress. Her mom and dad, Nate and Abby, and her Auntie Fay held her hand and stroked her lovely hair while she gently passed and took her place among the angels.

Survivors include her parents, Von and Nalukui Hintermeister of Chester, NY; one brother, Nathaniel Hintermeister of Chester, NY; one sister, Abigail Hintermeister of Brooklyn, NY; aunts and uncles, Jan Hintermeister; Kim Hintermeister (Carol), Fay Morgan (Michael), Amy Uhls, Muleta Chunda (Roan), Mwangala Mubonda (Newton), Mebelo Patel (Ajay), and Mubitelela Mwisiya (Patricia); and many cousins. She was predeceased by one aunt, Munalula Nyambe, and grandparents James and Mavis Hintermeister, and Mumbuna and Baitshoki Mwisiya.

Visitation will be Monday, November 6, 2023 from 10 to 11 AM in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY.  Funeral services will begin at 11 AM.

Dignified cremation will be provided by Harris Crematorium, LLC.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com