Ellen Anne Picotte

Albany-Ellen Anne Picotte of Albany, NY passed away on March 13, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born May 31, 1951 in Saratoga Springs, Ellen was raised in Loudonville, NY with her brother, Bill by their adoptive parents, the late Helen B. and Clifford E. Picotte. Ellen graduated from The Academy of Holy Names in Albany and from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. Her professional life was diverse - from serving as the infamous “Clam Lady” at the Elbow Room in Albany to technical writing for Smith & Mahoney, PC. Real estate was in her blood and what most interested her; it drove her professional success. Early in her career, she formed Landmark Developer Services, Inc. with Nancy Wawrla and focused on historic preservation certifications. That experience led Ellen into new construction and subdivision development in Kinderhook, NY. She then began a successful career as a realtor that spanned more than 22 years. In 2016, Ellen was awarded the prestigious Samuel E. Blake award by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Realtors. She was also a member of the NYS Board of Realtors and served on its Ethics Committee. Ellen’s philanthropic and volunteer associations were wide-reaching and included the Albany Fund for Education, Historic Albany Foundation, Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association, Lark Street Business Improvement District and Washington Park Conservancy. She also served on the board of Habitat for Humanity and was a former member of both the Fort Orange Club and the Junior League of Albany. Ellen loved sports and had a resume to prove it. She was a member of the “Fab Five,” an elite group of five runners who participated in the Freihofer’s Run for Women each year since its inception. She also designed the now fan-familiar “Crossing Line since ’79” t-shirt, that identified those dedicated runners. In 2016, after completing intensive medical treatment, Ellen completed her 39th Freihofer’s Run. In addition to her running achievements, Ellen added hiking, backpacking, and softball to her repertoire. She backpacked most of the Appalachian Trail, climbed the Adirondack High Peaks, and with her nephew, Philip, completed Vermont’s Long Trail. Ellen also loved softball and played with several local teams, such as the Hurley’s Girlies and McGeary’s Dearies, and served as catcher for the NYS Higher Education team, the Higher Heads. She was an avid Yankees fan, but never failed to support local teams such as the Albany Firebirds and the Siena Saints. In 1998, Ellen discovered a second brother, David Collins, who had been adopted by a family in Guilderland, NY. Ellen, Bill, and David bonded quickly and the sibling “pack” was expanded to three. With the encouragement of her husband, Ellen continued the search for her birth mother and not only found her, but five additional siblings as well. A family reunion made continued relationships possible. Ellen is survived by her beloved husband James J. Dolan of Albany; her brother William B. (Susan) Picotte of Albany, NY; her nephews David (Abby) Picotte of Columbus, OH and Philip (Devon) Picotte of New Haven, CT; her stepdaughters Jamie (Jamie) Salter and Kristy (Alex) Tarr; as well as three step-grandchildren. Ellen is also survived by numerous cousins, in-laws, and a multitude of friends, whose lives she touched beyond words. The family also wishes to thank Nancy Wawrla for her long-standing friendship to and loving support of Ellen during her difficult illness. Ellen has requested that her remains be donated to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Donation Program. A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family and notice will appear in this paper. Donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807; Historic Albany Foundation, 89 Lexington Avenue, Albany NY 12206; or Habitat for Humanity Capital District, 325 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message for the family, light an candle or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Ellen Anne Picotte

May 31, 1951 - March 13, 2017