SARATOGA SPRINGS — Born April 12, 1918, the seventh child of Mary Frances (Brown) and Elmer Ellsworth Neilson, Mamie Rose Bozony left an indelible mark on this world when she passed on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Perhaps her most outstanding gifts were her lifelong love and devotion to her family, and her notable integrity, stability and tenacity through life’s many challenges. Mamie was a gracious and loving caregiver, and towards the end of her 97 years, her daughter Carol and family had the blessing to give back to her by caring for her at home, nurturing her through the final chapter of her life with the beauty and kindness she gave to others.
Born at home on the road that bears her family’s surname, Neilson Road at Saratoga Lake, Mamie attended a one-room schoolhouse and later Saratoga High School. Her father passed away when she was only 4 years old, leaving Mamie to be raised by her mother and older siblings and to take an active role on the family farm. Mamie’s strong work ethic, self-sufficiency and ambition were fostered during these early years. Mamie married Michael Bozony in 1937 and they enjoyed a few short years together before Mike was drafted into the Army. Mamie often recalled times gone by such as the miracle of electricity when it came to their farm, the lean years of the Great Depression, and the period when she supported and cared for her mother during World War II while her husband fought in the South Pacific.
In addition to her long home-making career, she also worked for 16 years at the Gideon Putnam Hotel, and eight years at Wesley Nursing Home. Left a young widow at age 56 when her beloved husband passed away suddenly, Mamie took the helm at their business, Michael’s Upholstery and successfully ran the operation for four years carrying on their reputation for quality work and artistic creation. Mamie’s true grit and sense of humor were front and center during those times, and no one doubted who was in charge.
In 1986, Mamie left her career and became a caregiver to her only child, Carol’s, family, including their two children, Laura and Michael, all of whom she cherished. Mamie is survived by her daughter, Carol Carroll and son-in-law, Pat Carroll, her grandchildren Laura Carroll Smalley (Ryan) and Michael Carroll, great-grandson Benjamin Smalley, her special nephews John Bozony (Sandi) of Cleveland TN, Edward Skeals, the Lottie Bain family, Sue Peters and many more nieces and nephews, her sisters-in-law Rita Bozony and Shirley Bozony, neighbors and friends Will Chamberlain, Kirk and Aleah Wendell, Ann Carroll, Graham Amodeo, Art and Diana Carroll, Bill and Mary Ellen Carroll, Gerry and Daphne Carroll and their families who became very dear to Mamie throughout the years.
Mamie’s life of Christian service was celebrated at the Presbyterian New England Congrega-tional Church, 24 Circular St. in Saratoga Springs on Monday September 21, 2015; burial followed at the Malta Ridge Cemetery. There were no calling hours. The family received friends and family at a reception at the church fellowship hall after the burial.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Mamie, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church or to the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street in Saratoga Springs.
Mamie’s family wishes to thank friends from the Presbyterian Church who brought her much joy and love, the Saratoga Hospital staff on C3 and the staff at Wesley Health Care Center for their tender, loving care in her final days.
