Mary Elizabeth Howley, 102, of Malta, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Saratoga Hospital.

Mary was born on July 22, 1924, to Mark and Muriel Fitzgerald in Albany, NY. She grew up in Schenectady, NY and was a graduate of Mildred Elley Business College. Mary worked as a secretary in the Motor Generator Department of General Electric until her marriage to Thomas A. Howley in 1947.

Following their nuptials, Mary and Tom moved to South Bend, Indiana. There she worked as a secretary on the Notre Dame campus while Tom earned his degree in physical education. Mary and Tom moved back to Schenectady in 1949. In 1963, they settled in Clifton Park, NY, where Mary and Tom spent 30 summers together running the Clifton Knolls Day Camp. In their retirement, they enjoyed many winters together in Naples, Florida.

Mary deeply loved her family and friends. She relished the adventure of travel, took great pleasure in gardening, and was an avid reader. She belonged to the Shenendehowa Garden Club, the St. Edwards Women's Club, the Friends of the Library, and was a proud communicant of St Edwards the Confessor Church.

Mary was always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. She understood the importance of being there for others and did so with endless kindness and grace. Her home was a place of welcoming; a place to go to be understood, share a laugh, or to find a calming presence. Mary was generous, witty, thoughtful, and loved by so many.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Muriel and Mark Fitzgerald, as well as her husband, Thomas A. Howley. Mary leaves behind three children: Thomas M. Howley (Michaela) of Schenectady, NY; Mark P. Howley of Saratoga Springs, NY; M. Maureen Adams (Scott) of Malta, NY. Mary leaves behind five grandchildren: Thomas P. Howley (Julie) of Lake Mary, FL; Kelly A, Johnston (Tony) of N. Ft. Myers, FL; Kristin R. Fargione (Vincent) of Voorheesville, NY; Caitlin M. Tripp (Trevor) of Malta, NY; and William T. Ahern of Philadelphia, PA. Mary also leaves behind four great grandchildren: Colin and Emma Tripp, and Genevieve and Vincent Fargione.

A period of visitation will be held for Mary on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065, with a funeral service held at the funeral home at 5:00 pm. A private burial will take place at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Thomas.

If you wish to make a financial contribution in Mary's memory, please consider giving to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org.

Mom, we are left with heavy hearts, you were so loved.