Mary Denise Mesley

Schenectady-Mary Denise (Foss) Mesley passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, with her loving children by her side. Denise was born November 27, 1944. She was the only daughter of Edward Foss and Mary Theresa Foss. Denise grew up in old Albany and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy. Her heritage and family were dear to her. She spoke fondly of her childhood memories surrounded by her close extended family in old Albany and at Snyder’s Lake. She loved the lake and delighted in its serenity and beauty, and the sense of peace that it brought her. That was her happy place. After graduation, she began working at St. Catherine’s Home for Children’s where she tenderly cared for the most delicate little patients. Denise met John Mesley, the love of her life, and they were married in November of 1965. Together, they raised their two children Michelle Netoskie and Christian Mesley and shared a beautiful 49 years of marriage until his passing in 2014. A woman of deep faith, Denise remained devoted to her Catholic upbringing throughout her life. She was an active member of the Altar Rosary Society at St. Mary’s Church in Albany and held a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Thérèse, praying many novenas in their honor. She frequently visited the Shrine of Divine Mercy and Auriesville and made a pilgrimage trip to Medjugorje and Rome—journeys that strengthened and sustained her spiritually. After raising her children, Denise returned to work at Caldor and later at Walmart, where she formed many dear and lasting friendships. Denise is survived by her children, Michelle (Ronald) Netoskie and Christian (Ellen) Mesley. She was the treasured grandmother of William (Jennifer Powers) Archino, Ashley Archino, Alessandra Archino; Deanna, Nicholas, Maura, and Andrew Mesley, and Louisa Gascoyne. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Kristianna and Gianna. The family would also like to share a special thank you to her dear cousin Cathy Frankenbeck for her care and love. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her and by the many who came to know her affectionately as Grandma Dee Dee. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Denise’s family Wednesday, May 20, 2026 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy, NY 12180 The Rite of Committal will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wreaths Across America.

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Mary Denise Mesley

November 27, 1944 - May 18, 2026