Saratoga Springs, NY - Mary L. Nielsen, who recently resided at the Otsego Manor in Cooperstown, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2011, after a brief illness. She was 88. Previously she had lived in Cherry Valley, Saratoga Springs and Oneonta.
She was born in Saratoga Springs, October 13, 1923, the daughter of the late Edward Lazott and Alice Dunphy Lazott. An only child in an otherwise large extended family, she was cherished by her elders and always remained close to her beloved cousins, Joseph Fennell, the late Michael Rogers, Rita Rogers Whitney and Mary Rogers. Mary graduated from Saratoga High School in 1941, having distinguished herself academically and through her work on various school publications (chiefly the Recorder and the Oratoga), and went on to attend the College of Saint Rose and Mildred Elley School of Business, both in Albany. She did secretarial work in Saratoga Springs and Schenectady, and in 1950 she married Arthur G. Dudley, who predeceased her in 1997.
After she and her family relocated to Oneonta in 1962, Mary went to work for the City of Oneonta Schools Department, where she served as business manager. Her first marriage ended in divorce, and in 1973 she married Neil R. Nielsen, for whose general contracting business she served as bookkeeper.
Mary was a keen bridge player and, along with her husband, an avid and enthusiastic golfer. She was predeceased by her husband in 1992, and during a large portion of her later years Mary settled in Saratoga Springs to be close to her adored grandchildren, Julia M. Dudley, now of Cherry Valley, and Nicholas N. Close.
She is survived by her grandchildren; son, Art (Janet) Dudley; daughter, Suzanne E. Dudley; close friend, Betty Molinari; and beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members.
Mary’s sharp wit and incomparably loving, caring presence will be forever missed by all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Donations may be made in Mary’s name to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
