Mary E. DeMarco

LATHAM- Mary Reilly DeMarco, 82, beloved wife and best friend to her husband, Al DeMarco, and devoted mother to her daughters, Amy Miller (Greg), Phoenix AZ, and Erin DeMarco (Beth Riley), Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She left this world on August 25, and was welcomed into the next by the many family and friends awaiting her arrival. In addition to her parents, John and Grace Reilly, Mary was predeceased by four siblings and their spouses: Peggy Tyndell (Gary), John Reilly (Sheila Chartres), Rosemary Myers (Peter), Carol Van der Laan (Fred). Mary is survived by her two sisters, Regina Reilly from Santa Rosa, CA and Kate Thomsen, Delmar. She was the beloved aunt to 15 and great aunt to 22 nieces and nephews. Mary graduated from Vincentian Institute (1961) and the College of St. Rose (1965) and taught English for 30 years at Shenendehowa and Guilderland school districts. She was very committed to her 8th graders over the years, many of whom met her after their graduations. Mary met Al, the love of her life, when she was 4 and married him 20 years later in 1967! They shared an incredible journey that lasted 59 years and included many friends, much travel, and career success, but she always said the greatest joy of their lives was when they welcomed their daughters, Amy and Erin, into their lives. Being a mother was her greatest joy. Together, she and Al and the kids created and enjoyed many traditions that included annual family trips to Cape Cod and, later Cape May NJ, and more recent trips abroad together. One of her most cherished memories was the river cruise on the Seine in France with the whole family. Family was everything to Mary. Mary and Al hosted the family at Thanksgiving for many years when attendance reached 30+ people and a few dogs! Opening their home to family noise, chaos and fun gave her great joy. Mary loved playing cards and cutthroat board games with friends and family, soaking up the sun on a beach, reading, and golfing at Pine Haven where she had many friends and enjoyed wonderful times for 35 years. She had no problem beating you in a game over and over again while sharing laughs together. Mary’s love of animals inspired her to devote 20 years to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, walking the orphaned dogs who were awaiting their forever homes. Mary never met a dog she didn’t like. Mary was an active member of St. Pius X Church, serving on the parish council and St. Pius School Board where she spearheaded the formation of all-day kindergarten and after school programs. An avid volunteer, she participated in the Meal Ministry preparing meals for those in need, supporting the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and the Interfaith Homeless Shelter. She enjoyed building community, supporting others, lending an ear and doing it all with a beautiful smile. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary’s family Friday, August, 28, 2026 at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen St., Albany, NY 12206 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 29, 2026 at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 at 9:00 am where her funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will immediately follow the Mass in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, NY. To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com. Those wishing to remember Mary in a special way are asked to send a donation to either: The Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 33 Walter St., Albany, 12204 or The Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, 176 Sheridan Ave., Albany, 12210.

Mary E. DeMarco

November 28, 1943 - August 25, 2026