Obituary of Mary Ellen Gendron

Mary Ellen O'Malley Gendron passed away peacefully at Nathan Littauer Hospital on Saturday February 13, 2010 with her family at her side. She was a resident of the Fulton County Residential Health Care Facility since March of 2004 where she received excellent care and attention. Born in Pittsfield, MA on February 1, 1923 to the late Charles and Elizabeth O'Malley she spent her early childhood on the family farm in Washington County, NY. After moving to Schenectady in her teen years she graduated from Draper High school in 1941. While working at General Electric during World War II she supported the troops by becoming a pen pal to a young sailor from Gloversville, NY, Fernand A. Gendron. On October 6, 1946 they were married. He preceded her in death on January 27, 2005. In May of 1950 they bought a brand new house on Steele Avenue Extension where they raised both their children and lived their entire adult lives. Mary was a founding member and past officer of the Berkshire Volunteer Fire Department Women's Auxiliary beginning in 1951 and served as a member for fifty years. In the 1950s she was Clerk of the Board of Trustees for the Berkshire Common School District. She was a member of the Fulton County Republican Committee and the Fulton County Republican Club for over forty years. As a proud Irish Catholic she prayed daily and attended St. Mary's, Sacred Heart and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Her whole life was devoted to her family and she used her creative talents to make everything from hand knit sweaters to Halloween costumes for her grand children. She is survived by her son Michael F. and his wife Donna of Gloversville and daughter Nancy B. Gendron of East Greenbush, NY; grandchildren Leanne Gendron Lofink and her husband Richard of Saratoga Springs, Mark F. Gendron of Manhattan and Katy M. Gendron of Gloversville. Mary was predeceased by all of her siblings; Charles Douglas O'Malley, Elizabeth O'Malley White and Edward O'Malley. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 South Main Street, Gloversville, NY on Tuesday February 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown, in the spring. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to: The Fulton County Residential Health Care Facility, 847 Co Hwy 122, Gloversville, NY 12078 or to The Berkshire Volunteer Fire Department, East Fulton Street Ext; Gloversville, NY 12078. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath and Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville.