MECHANICVILLE -Miss Mary A. Shemo, 92, formerly of Mechanicville, NY, currently a resident at the Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare died peacefully on May 10, 2018 surrounded by her family. Born on May 18, 1925, Mary was one of thirteen children of Pasquale Cimaglia and Martinella Bianco Cimaglia. She was born and raised in Mechanicville, NY. She was a member of the Assumption/ St. Paul Catholic Church in Mechanicville, NY and was a graduate of Mechanicville High School Class of 1943. Mary worked in customer service at GE Silicone Products and excelled at this position due to her outgoing personality, her understanding of human nature and her problem solving ability.
She was born twelfth out of thirteen children. Though four of her siblings: Vincente, Raphael and twins Filomena and Mary died shortly after birth; most of her other siblings lived long full lives. She was predeceased by her parents and by these brothers and sisters, Frank, Patrick, Nickaline, Stevenella, Harmond, John, and Dominick. She is survived by her brother Albert, who is Mary’s only younger sibling. Mary cared for many of her siblings as they aged. In particular, she provided home elder care for John and Nickaline so they could spend their final years in the family home in Mechanicville.
Most of all, Mary loved her family. She was the family matriarch and was always there when her family needed her. When her brother John relocated his children, Steven Shemo and Ann Shemo Sarpen, to Mechanicville, Mary helped John to raise them as a family. Although Mary never married, she was blessed with many nieces and nephews - three generations of them! She loved and cared for them all. She managed to make time for all of them when they needed her to make a difference in their lives. Everyone in the family has “Aunt Mary” stories. She will be missed by all of her family.
Mary was a positive thinker who really enjoyed life and brought happiness to all who knew her. As a result, Mary made friends quickly and easily wherever she went. She was always kind and generous.
She loved traveling and had visited every continent on earth. She spent the better part of a year in Europe, principally in Spain. Europe was one of her favorite travel destinations and she had many friends on the continent. She visited the homeland of her parents in Italy, and corresponded for several years with relatives there. She cruised around South America and had visited Antarctica. She enjoyed her travels to Australia and New Zealand. She often traveled alone, without fear and would always come back from such a trip with many new friends.
Mary was a talented artist. She enjoyed flower arranging with both artificial (silk) and real flowers. She painted in oil and watercolor. She enjoyed sketching. During her school years at Mechanicville High School she was considered a talented actress. She dressed with flair and style.
She loved to entertain both at home and when out dining. She always participated exuberantly at parties. Her laughter was unmistakable and memorable. Her laughter brought joy to those who knew her. Mary’s excellent cooking was always enjoyed by her family and friends.
As she grew weary with age she left her beloved home and moved into the Mid-Rise Apartments in Mechanicville. She had many friends - old and new - there. When her condition required, she moved to the Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare in Clifton Park. She loved her time there and she was well cared for. The family is thankful for all the assistance and care she was given in these settings. The family is also very grateful to Dr. Stephen Sgambati who was her beloved physician. A special thanks to Martha Montanari who made sure Mary always had loving care in her final years.
Please join us on Saturday May 19, 2018 at All Saints on the Hudson Church at 121 North Main Street, Mechanicville, NY at 10:00 AM for a mass to honor Mary Shemo. Immediately after the services, there will be a light luncheon at All Saints on the Hudson Parish Hall at 52 William St., Mechanicville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Ambulence Service, 15 Crossing Blvd, Clifton Park, 12065.
In death, as in life, her generosity knows no bounds. There will be no committal services as she donated her body to the Albany Medical Center to assist in training young physicians.