Obituary of Mary Terleckey

I don't think anyone who knew Mary Terleckey will be able to think of her without remembering her smile, loving, generous nature and kindness. On November 7, 2009 we lost Mary. Born in Cranesville, NY on June 4, 1921 to John and Anna Lahaman Terleckey and remained a lifelong resident of the Amsterdam, NY area. For Mary, her family and their well being always came first. She made great personal sacrifices for the benefit of her family and never complained or resented it. In her early life, during the hard times of World War II, she worked double shifts in numerous mills and factories in addition to contributing to the labor of running the family farm. Later, she left the mills and dedicated her life to farming. She could handle a tractor as well as anyone and it was common to see her in the fields raking or bailing the hay in her straw hat . We sincerely hope that she knows how much we appreciated her loyalty and the gift of herself she so freely gave. Mary was also a Town Of Florida voting inspector for more than forty years. She always looked forward to elections because it was an opportunity to get out and visit with everyone from town. When she finally had to resign last year, the polling place seemed oddly different , like something important was missing. As if Mary actually had spare time, when she wasn't working on the farm or elections, she frequently helped her sister Genevieve Zeiser at her restaurant in Speculator, NY. Where she was much loved by the patrons. Mary is survived by her brothers John and Stephen Terleckey both of Amsterdam, NY, her sister Genevieve Zeiser of Speculator; her Godson John Charles Terleckey of Amsterdam and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Ann Hassfurter of Amsterdam and her brother Emil Terleckey of Broadalbin, NY. A service to honor her life will be held Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Fr. Pascal A. Iannotti presiding. Interment is in St. Nicholas Cemetery. A calling hour will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service. True to her nature, Mary was an animal lover and devoted to her cats. We know that she would rather help animals than have flowers, so in lieu of flowers we request that anyone who wishes may make a donation to the Montgomery Co. SPCA in care of the funeral home office.