ALBANY – Gertrude E. Soyer Mendel, 83, of Albany, died Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Teresian House in Albany.  Trudy was born February 19, 1928 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of the late Peter and Mary Soyer.  Trudy was known by her contagious smile and everlasting generosity and kindness.  She had many hats in the world, but Trudy’s favorite and most rewarding job was that of mom and grandma.  In addition, she and her late husband owned the Betsy Ross Diner and Mendel’s Pub, and later in life she was employed by St. Peter’s Hospital and Honigsbaum’s Department Store.

Trudy was predeceased by her husband Eugene J. Mendel, Sr.  She is survived by her daughters Debra Terrell, Lori Hart (Bill), and Lisa Ellis; her daughter in law Maura Wallingford Mendel; eighteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  She was also predeceased by her sons Eugene J. Mendel, Jr. and Danny Bethel, and by her grandson Alexander Mendel.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday morning at 11:00 in the Infant of Prague Chapel at the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203.  Relatives and friends are invited.  There will be no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Teresian House.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

TROY – Anna Belle Shephard, 79, of Troy, NY, died Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Albany Medical Center.  She is survived by her children George W. Shephard (Jane) of Holyoke, MA, Lewis J. Shepard (Wendy) of Canaan, NY, Phyllis Rojko of Bondsville, MA, Joyce Church of Ware, MA, and Robert Shephard of Enfield, CT; by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, as well as great great grandchildren.  Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

ALBANY – Emma Michela Leonard, 96, of Albany, died Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Teresian House in Albany.  Emma was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Mario Michela and Agatha Ciaccia Michela, and she lived here all her life.  She was a communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for over forty years, and also of the former St. Anthony’s and St. Margaret Mary’s Churches.  She sang in the choir of St. Anthony’s Church and at the Cathedral.  She also was employed by the State of New York in the Governor’s Office.  She also was a homemaker for most of her life, and cherished children, good food, and her family.

Emma was predeceased in 1991 by her husband James J. Leonard.  She is survived by her children Michele T. Leonard and Mary S. Leonard of Albany, Mark J. Leonard (Kimberlee) of Guilderland, and Ann R. Louer (David) of Albany; her grandchildren Andrea Thorne, Victoria, Claire, and Marissa Leonard, Daniel Louer, and Ashley and Matthew Wyland; and by many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Michela; her sister Angela Pezzulo, and her cousin Elizabeth Ciaccia O’Hanlon who was raised with Emma like a sister; her daughter in law Eileen Leonard; and her infant grandson James David Louer.

The Leonard family wishes to thank the staff of the Teresian House for the wonderful care they provided to Emma; Ivory Pettiway for her care of Emma at home, and the religious and parish communities, friends and neighbors who visited and prayed with Emma.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Thursday morning at 9:00, and from there to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Eagle St., Albany at 10:00.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.  Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.  The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Restoration Fund, 125 Eagle St., Albany, NY 12203; or to The Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28^th Floor, New York, NY 10010.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

Click here to read Emma’s story, prepared while she lived at the Teresian House.

Click here to view Emma’s resting place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY.

DELMAR – Shirley B. Van Wely, 87, of Delmar, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital.  Shirley was a long time resident of Albany and Delmar, and she retired from the New York State Teacher’s Retirement System.

Shirley is survived by her four sons Donald of Springfield, OR, Peter (Abbie) of Fairport, NY, Paul (Debbie) of Albany, and Frank (Claire) of Keene, NH; by her grandchildren Derek, Sean, Neil, Justin, Hannah Rose, Erik, Ester Jo, Charlotte, and Jack Van Wely; and by eight great grandchildren.

The family will hold a private service.  There will be no calling hours.  For those who wish to remember Shirley in a special way, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

McKOWNVILLE – Veronica J. Dugan, 90, of McKownville, died Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at the Teresian House in Albany after a long illness. Born in Albany on October 24, 1921, Ronnie was the daughter of the late John J. Whalen Sr. and Bertha Riley Whalen.  She was a graduate of Cathedral Academy, served proudly as a member of the U.S. Navy WAVES in World War II and was a communicant of Holy Cross Church/All Saints Catholic Church in Albany.  In 1950 she married J. Leo Dugan Jr. who she met through the Catholic War Veterans organization.  After World War II Ronnie was employed by the Internal Revenue Service until her first child was born.  She was a dedicated mother who was involved in her children’s activities, active in school functions at St. Margaret Mary School, and a Girl Scout leader.  She was long time member of the McKownville Fire Department Auxiliary serving in various officer capacities and was a past member of the Catholic War Veterans and the VFW.  She volunteered for many organizations most notably the American Cancer Society and eventually was employed by them. Ronnie also volunteered for many years at the Teresian House where she later lived out her final years.

Ronnie is survived by her devoted children, Patricia (Daniel) Olson of Lyons NY, Mary V. Dugan of  Tuckahoe NY, J. Michael Dugan of Stuyvesant NY and Cathleen (Dave Brown) Dugan of Ray Brook, NY; her brother and his wife, John J. and Helen Whalen of Vestal, NY.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Mary Olson, Laura (Nick) Botkins, Erik Olson, Heather, Jennifer, and Stephanie Dugan and Kyle Golden and great grandchildren Connor Andrews and Emma Dugan.  She was predeceased by her husband J. Leo Dugan Jr. in 1999, her parents, and her sisters Sister Annunciata (Mary) Whalen CSJ and Eleanor (John) Whalen Connolly.

Funeral services will be held in the Infant of Prague Chapel at the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany Saturday morning at 11:00.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Friday from 4-7 pm, or at the Teresian House from 10-11 am Saturday.

The family is very grateful for the kind and loving care given by the staff of Carmel Garden West at the Teresian House.  Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Sisters of St. Joseph Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 or to the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

ALBANY -- Louise T. Hogle Chase, M.D. passed away suddenly on January 1st, 2012 at the age of 92 surrounded by her loving family, from one of the many serious illnesses she battled most of her life. She was the wife of 54 years of the late Lloyd R. Chase and one of 12 children of the late Warren Gordon Hogle and the late Maximina Quiner Morgan. Born in the Philippines, she left Santo Tomas concentration camp and was repatriated during the 2nd World War, sailing on the S.S. Monterey in a naval convoy. Dr Chase was a graduate of Albany Medical College and the first woman fellow of Pathology at Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in N.Y.C. She was an emeritus fellow of the College of American Pathologists and of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. She was also a life member of the Medical Society of N.Y.S. and of Schenectady County. Before her retirement, she was Chief of Pathology and Director of Laboratories of St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady. Dr. Chase loved having her family around her. She relished her role as doctor, wife and mother and later added grandmother and great-grandmother to her resume. In her retirement she maintained her medical license, enjoyed knitting, reading and crossword puzzles, along with her annual trips to Brant Lake, NY and St Augustine, FL with family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Louise is survived by her four children: Mary Chase Zaremski (Michael) of Altamont, Raymond F. Chase of Jacksonville, Florida, Michael P. Chase Sr. (Mary Ann) of Schenectady, and Robert P. Chase (Margaret) of Colonie, four grandchildren: Kimberly M. Chase, Michael P. Chase Jr., and Matthew R. Chase all of Schenectady and Sarah E. Zaremski of Troy, and a great grand-daughter, Madalyn C. McHugh. A sister Frances F. Purselley of Defuniak Springs, Florida, her sisters-in-law Marianne Hogle of Schenectady, and Barbara Hogle of Los Gatos, CA; as well as numerous nephews and nieces scattered throughout the country also survive her.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday morning at 9:00, and from there to Christ the King Church at 10:00.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 pm Thursday in the funeral home for a service of prayer and remembrance.  All are welcome.   Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

Click here to view her grave location.

LATHAM –  Barbara Schrader, 75, passed away on December 21, 2011, at the Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home in Clifton Park, NY after a long illness.  She grew up in Oswego, NY, the daughter of William E. and G. Nedra (Lancaster) Huss.  Barbara was a 1956 graduate of the State University of New York Teachers College at Oswego where she received her Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in just three years.  Barbara later received her Doctorate in Math Education from the State University of New York at Albany in 1973.  She retired in 1991 after a long teaching career that included employment as the Supervisor of Mathematics, K-12, within the East Greenbush Central School District. She was highly respected by her professional peers.  Barbara is remembered by all who met her as an intelligent, thoughtful and private person who loved her family, exercising, doing crossword puzzles, watching ice skating and “Judge Judy”.  Barbara was also an accomplished pianist and piano teacher.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Thomas R. Schrader.  She is survived by her three children, Diane (Anthony G.) Goetke of Rexford, NY, Donna (Leonard) Berl of Williamsburg, VA, and Jill (David) Clancy of Prince George, VA; her grandchildren, Amie and Anthony T. Goetke, Seth and Chad Berl; and her brother Dr. Barry Huss.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering with refreshments to be held on December 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm at the Hearthstone Village Clubhouse, 4000 Florence Dr., Latham, NY, 12110, (518) 867-4050.  There will be no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a cancer charity of your choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

COLONIE – Mary Frances Marr, 87, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, December 15, 2011. Daughter of Irish parents, James Ambrose Cavanagh and Anna Cavanagh, Mary was the beloved wife of 37 years of the late George William Marr, and mother of Patricia Lee (Ronald), Kathleen Wood (Ronald) and Sherry Marr. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Mary is a graduate of Cathedral Academy and Albany Business College.  Retired from the New York State legislature after many years of service, Mary was a devoted wife and mother who loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed playing bridge, dancing with her husband, travelling and spending time with friends. Her family remembers her as a kind-hearted, loving and gentle woman whose devotion to her Catholic faith guided and informed her life.

Funeral services, Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Dr. Loundonville, NY 12211. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday, 4-8 PM in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave. Albany, NY 12203.  Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Mary and her family in a special way may send contributions to  The American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).  To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the many wonderful people who cared for Mary during her illness.

ALBANY – Josie Chirieleison, 87, of Albany, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland.  Josie was born in New York City, but lived most of her life on Long Island.  She worked as a dressmaker prior to her marriage and in later years, and for a time together with her husband owned and operated the Red Mill Food Shop, a sandwich shop in Patchogue, NY.  She also enjoyed gambling and loved to travel to Florida to play the numbers and horses.  Josie also enjoyed gardening, painting and traveling, and will be remembered for her pride in her family, her sense of humor, and how she enjoyed talking and joking with others.

Mrs. Chirieleison was predeceased by her husband Rocco in 1999.  She is survived by her sons Rocco Chirieleison of Albany, and Joseph Chirieleison of Long Island; and by her granddaughters Wendy and Lisa Chirieleison.

Funeral services will be held in Our Lady of Mercy Life Center at a time to be announced.  Relatives and friends are invited  Interment will be in Florida National Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

ALBANY – Margaret E. Bennett Ehrhardt, 84, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2011 at St. Peter’s Hospital.  Mrs. Ehrhardt was born in Lebanon, NH, and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School for Girls in Manchester, NH, and the New Hampshire College of Accounting & Finance.  She was married October 18, 1958 and lived most of her life in Albany, having moved from New Hampshire in 1952.  Before her marriage Mrs. Ehrhardt worked for the Air Transport Command in Manchester and Westover Field, MA, for the Labor Dept. in Washington, DC, and for Travelers Insurance Co. in Albany.  She will be remembered as a kind and loving wife and mother of Kathryn and Lawrence III.

Mrs. Ehrhardt was predeceased by her husband Lawrence J. Ehrhardt, Jr. on Sept. 19, 1988, and by her brother Albert J. Bennett.  She is survived by her children Kathryn Ehrhardt and Lawrence J. Ehrhardt, III; her sister Bertha A. Fallon of Hampton Beach, NH; a nephew and two nieces and their families of Maryland.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  There will be no calling hours.  Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.  The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to a charity of one’s choice.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.