Mary Jane Tunison
SCHUYLERVILLE – Mary Jane Tunison, age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility in Fort Edward, New York, following a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on May 27, 1947, in Saratoga Springs, New York, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Avis Stewart Tyger and Harry Vernon Tyger. She spent her childhood on Catherine Street, a place she always considered home, and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1965 with a concentration in business.
Following graduation, Mary Jane began her professional career with Carusone and Carusone LLP before pursuing a more adventurous path as a flight attendant for American Airlines, primarily flying out of LaGuardia Airport. During her years in the skies, she had the opportunity to meet many notable figures, including Princess Margaret of England, actor Sean Connery, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
After marrying, Mary Jane accompanied her husband during his military assignment in Germany. She embraced the experience wholeheartedly, enjoying the rich culture, festive traditions, beautiful countryside, and historic cities that made her time overseas especially memorable.
Upon returning to the United States, Mary Jane built a successful career as a paralegal, working with several law firms throughout Saratoga and Albany counties. She later continued her public service with the New York State Education Department, where she remained until her retirement in 2012.
Retirement provided Mary Jane the opportunity to pursue her love of travel. She visited many remarkable destinations, including Israel, France, and England, and enjoyed spending time with friends in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Known for her vibrant personality, Mary Jane loved gathering with friends, sharing good conversation, dancing, and enjoying a cocktail. She was spirited, independent, and never hesitant to stand up for herself or those she cared about.
Above all, Mary Jane valued her family and the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She will be remembered for her warmth, sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and the countless memories she created with those fortunate enough to know her.
Mary Jane is survived by her beloved son, Anthony Mastroianni; her sisters, Dora Closson (James) of Greenfield Center, New York, and Katherine Totten of Florida; her nieces, Cheryl Malanoski and Amy Sheft; her nephews, James Closson, Greg Cherry, Wayne Cherry, and her significant other, Greg Schwartz of Saratoga Springs; along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the S-Wing at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility for their compassionate and professional care, and to Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs for the comfort and support they provided during Mary Jane’s final days.
Family and friends may call from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on August 24, 2026, at Greenridge Cemetery 17 Greenridge Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.