SARATOGA SPRINGS – Elizabeth “Bette” Mullan, 94, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital with family members by her bedside. Born on August 6, 1931, in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Amelia Clark.

Bette was a proud graduate of Saratoga High School, Class of 1951, where she was involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She carried that Blue Streak pride throughout her life and remained actively involved with her class reunion committee for decades, cherishing the friendships and memories it brought.

Following graduation, Bette attended nursing school and worked for a short time as a nurse at Child’s Hospital in Albany, NY. It was during this period that Elizabeth “Bette” Clark met the love of her life, Tom, at a youth center. In true Bette fashion, she asked him to dance at a Sadie Hawkins dance, and the rest is history. Bette and Tom shared 62 steadfast years of marriage before his passing in 2014.  Bette was also a devoted homemaker, known for her unwavering love, selflessness, and dedication to her family.

Bette was a member of St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs and Holy Spirit Church in Nalcrest, Florida, where she and Tom spent their winter months for 37 years. She enjoyed her time in Florida, embracing every moment with joy and energy. Her days were often filled with tennis, water aerobics, bocce ball, shuffleboard, poolside relaxation, and lively community dances shared with many dear friends. Bette also had a deep love for Schroon Lake, NY where she enjoyed reading books and continuing to soak in the sunshine.

An animal lover with a special place in her heart for dogs, Bette’s kindness toward all animals reflected the love and compassion she showed to everyone she met. Yet her compassion did not compromise her competitiveness when a card deck came out. No matter the game, no matter her age OR yours, you were bound to lose.

Above all else, Bette treasured her family. Known for her positive energy, constant encouragement, and warm presence, she was the heart of every gathering. She took immense pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on at sporting events, performances, or support their many activities. Family traditions were especially meaningful to her, from vast holiday celebrations filled with laughter to cherished dinners that brought everyone together.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bette was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Richmond. Survivors include her children: Colleen (Jeff) Becktoft, Thomas Mullan, Jr., Daniel (Doranne) Mullan, all of Saratoga Springs, and Kathy (Brad) Pickert of Colorado; ten grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.

Affectionately known to many as “GG, Gram, and Mom,” Bette will be deeply missed. She was the beloved matriarch of her family, a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her contagious laugh and compassionate heart will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Calling hours were Thursday, January 22, 2026, at William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Robert W. English, 77, died on January 20, 2026, of respiratory illness. 

Known variously as Robert, Bobby, Bob, Igor, Bingle, Dad, Pop, and Grandpa, he leaves behind a vast tribe of friends, colleagues, and family members who will miss his irascible cheer and love of good conversation.

 Proud graduate of Brooklyn Prep and Syracuse University and a Sigma Chi, much of Bob’s career was behind the scenes of News Channel 6 producing the news, and, for many years, the well-known Melodies of Christmas, often sneaking in cameos of friends and family in the audience. He left CBS 6 to start his own production company, Luzerne Productions. He had a deep passion for producing long form videos for tourism and charitable causes. When the otherwise affable Bob was in production mode, it was best to do as he said or get out of the way. 

He leaves behind son Ryan, and his family, Allison, Brooklyn, and Julian; son Trevor, and his family Declan, and Spencer; a plethora of close cousins, many of whom shared with him the pleasures of his beloved Lake Luzerne; and long-time partner “the lovely Joan,” (Taub) with whom he shared a rich life, whether it be catching the first lift at Gore, or sipping champagne on the Champs-Élysées; and many friends who valued his good company.

 A celebration of his life will be held in the Spring where we will gather to share memorable and humorous stories, celebrating a life well lived. Donations may be made to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital at cuimcgiving.org/LungTransplant, the Adirondack Folk School, Lake Luzerne, NY or the ACLU. In these moments of remembrance, we encourage you to share your memories of Bob and upload photos to his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com.

WILTON – Nora Louise (Honor) Olsen, age 72, of Wilton, New York, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nora was the beloved daughter of the late John and Neriede Bardon. She was a proud graduate of St. Peter’s Academy, Class of 1971, where she formed lifelong friendships and nurtured her passion for the arts.

Nora was an avid painter and artist, whose creativity and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Olsen; her loving daughters Natasha (Jim) Kreuter, Marisa Bencivenga, and Brittany Bencivenga; her cherished granddaughter Kendall Kreuter; her beloved siblings Tom Bardon, Dan (Jackie) Bardon, Chris (Marian) Bardon, and Kevin (Linda) Bardon; and her half-brother James (Linda) Quinn.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Nora was preceded in death by her brothers John Bardon, Michael Bardon, and Timothy Bardon.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Nora’s honor. Contributions may be made online at www.parkinson.org or by mail to: Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.