Obituary of Mary Gillespie

After a long and valiant struggle, Mary H. Gillespie passed from this life on Sunday, May 25, 2014. She was born on June 1, 1953 in Schenectady. Mary was the daughter of the late Edward W. and Helen I. (nee Czyzewski) Gillespie. Mary was a graduate of Mohonasen High School. She earned her diploma as a Registered Nurse from Ellis Hospital School of Nursing in 1974. She accepted employment at Ellis Hospital working on the orthopedic unit, in the Intensive Care unit and in the Emergency Dept. Mary continued her education and was a member of the first Adult Nurse Practitioner program at Ellis Hospital, graduating in 1980. She subsequently took the Physician's Assistant Certification examination earning her credentials as a Physician's Assistant in adult medicine. While continuing her employment at Ellis Hospital, she earned her BS degree in nursing from Russell Sage College in 1980 and a MS in Health Education in 1987. In 1989 Mary accepted a position at Schenectady Family Health Services as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the Senior Management team. She subsequently joined Schenectady Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates as a health care provider in 2001 until 2009. At that time her employment came full circle as she returned to Ellis Hospital to work in Occupational Health. She retired in December 2013 due to ill health. Throughout her career, Mary was committed to providing the best care possible for each person that she served. Mary was also an instructor in Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support for the American Heart Association. In recent years Mary pursued an interest and found great enjoyment in decorative painting with the Capital District Capitolers. Left to mourn her passing is her sister, Beth Gillespie-Kehoe, and her brother in law, Jim Kehoe, of Glenville. She also left behind 'the joys of her life' nephew James Kehoe of New Haven, CT, and nieces Erinn Kehoe of Queens, NY and Brianne Kehoe of Boston, MA. In addition Mary leaves an aunt, Dolly Czyzewski, several cousins and many wonderfully supportive friends. She is also survived by her Godson Chris Schongar and Goddaughter Amanda Wells. A special thank you to Dr. David Mastrianni and staff at Saratoga Oncology, Dr. Charles Smith, Radiation Oncologist formerly of Ellis Hospital, Dr. Duncan Savage,Radiation Oncologist at St. Peter's Hospital and the compassionate and attentive staff at Ellis Hospital Residential Care Mohawk Unit. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin Saturday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Edwards Church in Clifton Park. Interment will follow the funeral services at St. Anthony's Cemetery. Viewing hours will take place Friday, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's name to Ellis Medicine Belanger School of Nursing.