REXFORD — Mary Helen Guarnieri, 55, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. After a long and courageous battle with bile duct cancer, Mary reluctantly left her beloved husband and daughter, Dennis Blaine and Thalia Guarnieri; her dog Stella; cats Jett, Ouzo, and Jasper; and the physical world behind.

Mary was born in Buffalo, NY to Paul Guarnieri, Sr. and Patricia Guarnieri (Centore) on November 2, 1968, as their eldest child. Growing up, Mary attended Arongen, Greenfield, and St. Peter’s elementary schools. She graduated from Saratoga Central Catholic High School in 1986. She received a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and continued her studies in the molecular genetics Ph.D. program at the State University of New York at Albany. 

Mary’s lifelong love of science reached into many impactful discoveries. Her tenure as a research technician with Dr. Lorraine Flaherty led to important discoveries in genetics including the characterization of the mouse model of Reelin, a protein critical to regulation of synaptic plasticity, and LamB3, a gene responsible for epidermal development. Her passion and expertise led to the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University at Albany where she characterized a complex animal model that carried a reciprocal translocation affecting multiple developmental processes. Despite the sheer magnitude of the dissection of a model of this complexity, Mary met this challenge as she approached everything in her life, with intelligence, diligence, and the confidence that framed her personality.

While writing her dissertation, she and Dennis were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Thalia. Mary discontinued her studies and became a devoted caregiver. As Thalia progressed through school, Mary was a tireless volunteer at Mother Teresa Academy, St. Mary’s School, and Saratoga Central Catholic School. She was then hired as Director of Advancement at Saratoga Central Catholic School where she worked for 6 years, before retiring in February 2021. 

In addition to her obvious intelligence and physical beauty, Mary was imbued with a radiant beauty from within. Unusually kind and generous, she had an extraordinary ability to understand and empathize, particularly for those experiencing suffering or feeling disenfranchised. She eagerly and effortlessly gave comfort to alleviate fear and suffering in others, even if it was simply to hug you tightly and offer her shoulder for your tears. 

Mary was always fully present and engaged, whether in her academic pursuits, time spent with family and friends, or when caring for the smallest of creatures; she loved and appreciated it all. Mary met her health challenges as she did with any of life’s challenges, with grace and equanimity. She has left an indelible mark on our hearts and will remain there forever, never forgotten and forever alive within us all.

Mary was very fortunate to be close with her relatives and friends. Mary and Dennis enjoyed hiking and camping and would take an annual trip with a group of as many as a dozen close friends. She, Dennis, and eventually Thalia traveled often to Italy with their family. While going for cancer treatments downstate, she was regularly joined by cherished friends and family members and turned these trips into “chemo parties.” Her husband made sure to always have fresh flowers in the house for her upon her return. 

In addition to many cousins and friends, Mary is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Dennis Blaine, and their incredibly talented daughter, Thalia; her sister Christine (Darryll Daum), niece Isabella, and brothers Paul (Pamela Nagengast) and Mark (Alicia Groff); and aunts and uncles, Jeanne and Dick Cody, Gloria and John Weyand, Donald Amodeo, and Helene and Bob Mehnert. 

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Friday, September 27, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28 at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Reception to follow. 

As many of you know, Mary always liked to tell people what to do and she has requested the following of all who read this: In loving memory of Mary, she asks you to consider performing some acts of kindness, that you respect others’ opinions without judgement, and share a smile or a compliment or a helping hand to someone in need whenever the opportunity presents itself.  When you buy flowers, take in and marvel at their beauty as she loved to do and “let the light in.”

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joan E. DeCelle, beloved wife of Robert, passed away on September 7, 2024 in Saratoga Springs.

Joan was born on May 17, 1940, in Albany, N.Y. to Angeline and Joseph Michalski. After graduating from high school, Joan worked at the New York Telephone Company. When her children were born, Joan stayed home to raise them for many years. When Joan returned to working outside the home, she worked at Firestone and the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle before joining the staff at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. 

Joan was predeceased by her husband Robert DeCelle. She is survived by her daughter Debra Covell (Sean), son Robert (Renee), her grandchildren Ian, Declan, Damon, Lucie, many nieces and nephews, and her brother Joseph Michalski. She was predeceased by her sisters Anna and Kathy.

Joan was a devoted wife. She and Robert were deeply committed to each other until the very end of their lives and were the embodiment of the vows they exchanged 59 years ago. Joan loved her children and grandchildren. The times she spent with Ian, Declan, Damon, and Lucie were a special joy to her and she delighted in their company.

Joan was also a lifelong reader and loved being outdoors – working in her garden, walking in the park or visiting the ocean. Her family cherishes their wonderful memories of summer vacations on the coast of Maryland. She will be remembered with love and gratitude. 

Joan’s family is forever grateful to the staff at the Wesley Community who gave her incredible care and embraced her as their own. The family would also like to thank the social workers, nurses, and chaplain from Community Hospice for their support and caring.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral home service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

A burial will immediately follow the service at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s name to The Community Hospice of Saratoga County, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Edward Clayton Burgher passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 at the age of 70 surrounded by his wife and two children at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Born on September 20, 1953, Ed was known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he was raised in West Shokan, New York by his loving parents Robert and Rosalie Burgher along with his four siblings. As a Boy Scout growing up, he developed a love of the outdoors that he carried through his life. Ed spent his career as an Air Quality Environmentalist and later as a Realtor in Saratoga Springs, where he was respected and admired by colleagues and clients alike. 

His passion for the outdoors in the form of a good golf game, camping, hiking, fishing, and wilderness preservation brought joy to many. Ed’s favorite pastimes included canoeing and fly fishing in the Adirondacks, or anywhere there was a running stream or quiet lake. He loved to share this passion and spread his knowledge to friends, family, and the community through his work with the Girl Scouts and Hudson Crossing Park, taking all on adventures that will live on in the next generation. His love of travel and exploration meant he was always game for a good road trip, especially if it involved camping with his wife and kids. There was always a new road to travel and a new place to explore. 

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 35 years, Cynthia Burgher, of Saratoga Springs; son Timothy (Caitlin Corless) Burgher of Richmond, Vermont; daughter Olivia Burgher of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren James Corless, Vincent George, and Francis Edward; and his extended family of siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dearest family friends. 

A Celebration of Life memorial service where friends and family are invited to celebrate Ed’s life and legacy, will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hudson Crossing Park in Ed’s honor.

Ed’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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