Obituary of Mary Ann MacCracken

Mary Ann MacCracken, 60, of Scotia-Glenville passed away peacefully on June 18, 2017 in her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Mary Ann was born on March 16, 1957 in Rochester, NY to her late parents Anthony and Beatrice (Giambrone) Samere. Mary Ann was raised in Rochester and graduated from Rush-Henrietta Sperry High School in 1975.

She attended Ellis Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in 1978. Shortly after graduating she moved to Scotia, was married, and started a 39 year career caring for people as an RN/CNN. Mary Ann quickly became an integral part of the dialysis community in the Greater Capital Region. She most recently worked as a Group Director of Home Therapy Education for the Northeast Group of Fresenius Medical Care. Physicians relied on her knowledge and expertise, patients found a compassionate advocate, and her staff knew she was the go-to person for all their questions.

Mary Ann truly loved life. Her life was defined by her love of family and friends, her generosity and selflessness, her love of fun, and her enthusiasm and joy for trying new things. She loved being outside and feeling the sun and breeze. Some of her favorite pastimes were cheering like crazy at her sons' sporting events, spending time at Camp Red Wing on Sacandaga Lake, watching whales and beautiful sunsets in Hawaii, waterskiing with the boys, and admiring her beautiful flowers from her swing in the backyard.

She loved planning and hosting elaborate celebrations with family and friends. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and joyful singing voice filled the air at all times. Countless friends were touched by her warmth, welcoming them into her family after only knowing them for a short time.

She devoted all of her strength and energy to putting others first. She was so often a strong shoulder, compassionate listener, and loving caregiver. She extended her most sincere love regularly and enjoyed spending time as “Grandmare” and as a Great-Aunt to all of her grand-nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Thomas MacCracken and her sons Daniel and Kevin (Andrea) MacCracken and a cherished grandchild who is expected in August. She is also survived by her brothers Thomas (Peggy) Samere, Joseph (Paula) Samere, Dale (Donna) MacCracken, and her sisters Barbara (John) Snyder, Susan (Bill) Winters, Debbie (David) Daniels and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. Mary Ann was predeceased by her brother James Samere and her husband's parents James and Dorothy MacCracken.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 24 at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY 12302. Calling hours will be held Friday, June 23 from 4 to 8 pm at Glenville Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made in Mary Ann's honor to Caring Together, Inc. PO Box 64, Delmar, NY 12054 to continue her fight against ovarian cancer.