MALTA — Marilyn A. Heggen, 91, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born in Troy on September 3, 1931. She was the daughter of Charles J. and Frances V. (Geiger) Meehan. Raised in Latham, she was a graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany. She worked for several years for the State of New York and the County of Saratoga.

Marilyn met her husband Arne E. Heggen when they were members of the Albany Single Ski Club. They were married for 53 years. Marilyn volunteered with many organizations, including as a religious education teacher at St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa, delivering Meals on Wheels, and with her children’s activities. She treasured her friendships, especially with her exercise and bridge groups. She also enjoyed many years of skiing and camping with her family and friends. She was a regular attendee at her grandchildren’s activities, games and events.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Arne E. Heggen, her son Arne C. Heggen, her brother Charles J. Meehan and her sisters Betty Murphy (the late James) and Frances Casserly (the late James).

Marilyn is survived by her children Karen A. Heggen (Peter S. Klotz, Sr.) of Malta; Mark E. (Jennifer) Heggen of Malta; Katherine (Thomas) F. Burke of Ballston Spa and her daughter-in-law Julie Arel (the late Arne C.) of Essex Junction, VT. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jacqueline Burke (fiancé Cory Adams), Meghan Burke Cochran (Quin), Andrew Heggen, Sophie Heggen, Matthew Heggen and Daniel Heggen, her sister-in-law B. Jane Meehan (the late Charles) of Latham, her longtime friend Elizabeth F. Kmen of Glenville, NY, and many nieces and nephews. 

Services were held Wednesday January 18 and Thursday, January 19, 2023. Memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. To light a candle, visit us at www.mevecfuneralhome.com

SYRACUSE — On Friday, January 13, 2023, in Erin’s loving arms, Joe (Mars) Marinelli, age 78, peacefully passed. His worn-out, much-used heart simply couldn’t keep up with him any longer despite his strong desire to go one more furlong. Joe wasn’t ready to leave us, and we are not ready to say goodbye. There is comfort in knowing that Joe never wanted to be an old man. He wasn’t meant for it, and he won’t be remembered that way. He left this life a handsome, smart, and vibrant man and without a doubt looking over his shoulder thinking “Erin, you know what we should have done” one last time.

His loved ones are left simply stunned that an infection in the hospital was what took him. We thought for sure it would be the point spread in a damn Patriots game that would do him in.

Born in Syracuse, he was the son of the late Anthony and Carmella Marinelli. He was known for his big, beautiful smile, his quick wit, sharp tongue, impeccable style and kind, generous heart. A stand-up man without doubt, Joe truly believed that if you are not living on the edge, you’re just taking up too much space. He was loved by many but more importantly admired by all.

What a life he fully lived. From Syracuse to New York to Florida to California to Boston and finally in Saratoga Springs (with a hundred more stops along the way), all the while collecting hundreds of dear friends. A true lover of life, music, and people, Joe was never one to suffer fools or anything that might get in the way of a good time. If asked what he did for work he’d let you know that he did “whatever needed to be done” and that a job is a way to pay for living, and that’s it. It does not define the person and certainly not happiness if you are living the right way surrounded by the right people. Joe once said, “I’d rather live one day as a lion than a thousand days as a sheep,” and he did. When you were with Joe you were in for a good time and if you were lucky, he’d cook for you. This was one of the many ways he showed his love. Now if you weren’t so lucky you were in the passenger seat of his car – for those of you that experienced this just think; he took enough years off our lives with sheer terror that we’ll be with him that much sooner.

All that loved Joe will be left with an immense void. He will especially be deeply missed by his love, Erin Ennis. Her three children, Colin Dreyer (Nichole Mangona), Grace Ennis, and Liam Dreyer. And of course, his precious newborn grandson Colt. All whom he loved beyond measure and generously imparted his wisdom and affection upon every day of their lives. Remember, he’d say “Nothing good comes easy, just put your head down and keep grinding.”

He leaves a brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Lynn Marinelli; Erin’s sisters and their families, and her parents, whom will all greatly miss Joe’s deep love for hosting family gatherings which resulted in deeper bonds and precious memories. His many nieces, nephews, and more dear friends than we can count, that were his family in his heart.

At one time I simply asked who in the world still talks to basically everyone they went to elementary school with and had met moving forward for their entire life? Incredulously, he answered: “Italians. We change our clothes, not our friends.” And everyone was a fast friend. He is predeceased by a brother, Michael Marinelli, a sister-in-law Patricia, and niece Mary.

At Joe’s request, there will be no calling hours or services. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Principessa Elena Society at 13 Oak St. in Saratoga Springs. Joe loved the Principessa and the friendships he made there. Nothing made him happier than bringing people together with a good meal and a strong cocktail. And again, on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Vito’s Ristorante, 320 E. First St., E. Syracuse, NY. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph “Mars” Marinelli please visit tjpfuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Karen Elaine Sunderland, age 76, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Richmond Center Neuro Unit in Staten Island. 

Karen was born on August 24, 1946 in Saratoga Springs, the daughter of the late Dwight Sunderland and Dorothy Dominy Sunderland. 

Karen was an ESLT Teacher for many years. In her journey of teaching, she taught at schools and Universities in several states of the U.S, four years at Universities in several parts of China and one year in a Christian University in Taiwan. 

Karen was very charismatic with a great love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Karen is survived by her sister, Linda Sunderland of Saratoga Springs and her son, Tracy Novotny of Wilton; her sister Kim (Sunderland) Tilson and her husband Glen of Corinth, Kim’s daughter Kristin Anderson and son Raymond Anderson of Saratoga Springs; Karen’s sister-in-law, Margaret (Wall) Sunderland, and her daughters Michelle (Sunderland) Realejo and son, Gavin Realejo of MA and Heather (Sunderland) La Marque, her husband Tom La Marque, two sons, Eric Sunderland, Owen La Marque, and grandchildren, of Hudson Falls, NY, many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Dwight Sunderland and Dorothy Dominy Sunderland of Gansevoort, brother, Stanley Sunderland of Fort Edward.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Karen will be laid to rest at South Wilton Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Dear Ellen, how we will miss you, your warm beautiful smile, your incredible grace. Let me count the ways: musician, teacher, mentor, performer, collaborator, dancer, community organizer, leader, adventurer, dreamer, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend.

On November 29, 2022, Ellen Leonard 61, passed peacefully in her East Montpelier, VT home, held by her family and friends in love and song.

She was born in 1961 to Webb Leonard and Betty McGee in Belleville, NJ. The youngest of four children, she attended elementary and middle school in Saratoga Springs, and the Vershire School in Vermont. She graduated from Skidmore College. 

Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s, Ellen taught music, singing, and almost any instrument, in Central Vermont schools. Ellen also taught private music lessons and MusicTogether to families with children ages infants to 5 years.

In 1999 Ellen opened the AllTogetherNow! Preschool, now a five-star school. For over 30 years, AllTogetherNow! was a place of celebration and creative learning that planted the seeds of song and spirit in generations of Central Vermont children. 

Ellen always found a way to break free. There was a horse, then a motorcycle. When she turned 50, she traveled alone around Europe on a motorcycle and for the past 10 years, she has kept a sailboat moored ready to go on Lake Champlain. In 2016 she travelled to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation to participate in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Guided by her dreams, she worked for many decades with North of Eden Archetypal Dreamwork, co-facilitating workshops in this country and abroad.

She is survived by her children: Aaron Jones and partner Rachel Houseman, Santa Fe NM; Sophia LaPaglia and fiancé Andy Cofino, Los Angeles, CA; Aliza LaPaglia; her sister Dr. Randi Leonard Holmes and brother-in-law Dr. Doug Holmes, Raleigh, NC; sister Leigh Leonard Stallings, Saratoga Springs; brother Mark Leonard and sister-in-law Ginger Leonard, Princeton, NJ; her stepsisters, Heather Lund and Holly Ingersoll, St. Paul, MN, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles across the country, and her beloved dog Lily.

She was predeceased by her birth parents, as well as her stepmother, Joan Leonard and stepfather, retired Skidmore professor, Dr. Philip West. She was also predeceased by her brother Justin. 

Relatives and friends gathered to remember Ellen on December 2 in East Calais, VT. She was laid to rest in the Robinson Cemetery. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roswell Arthur Whitcomb, Jr. passed away peacefully January 4, 2023 at Saratoga Hospital. Roswell was born June 3, 1932 in Hillsboro, NH. He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Beverly, his son, Mark, and his parents, Doris and Roswell A. Whitcomb, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Whitcomb Macar, sister Melita Vonier (Bill), brother Lee Whitcomb (Hope), and three grandsons, Matthew Whitcomb Macar, Kevin Whitcomb Macar and Zachary Adams. 

Roswell was a graduate of Hillsboro High School, NH and completed one year at the University of New Hampshire. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War prior to his 30-year career with the FAA as an air traffic controller, the majority of which he served at Albany Airport. 

After retiring, his avid interest in professional boxing led him to donate his time coaching youth and young adults at local boxing gyms, having boxed himself while in the Air Force. He also enjoyed Saratoga’s Thoroughbred Race Course and Harness Track, briefly co-owning a harness horse with his father in the mid-1960s. 

During his younger years, Roswell was a talented swimmer and high board diver, excelling at the swan dive and double back flip. Those who knew him well especially appreciated his colorful storytelling abilities and his unusual talent for recalling and reciting many lengthy monologues and soliloquies from Shakespeare and other major works of literature. 

His memorial and burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com/obituary/roswell-whitcomb-jr