COLONIE - Mary M. Emanuele, 87, of Colonie, passed into eternal peace on October 17, 2014 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Albany to the late Joseph and Alice Mae Gavin, she later moved to Rensselaer and attended Van Rensselaer School. She is predeceased by her sister, Leona (Arthur) DeLeonardis, and brother, Charles (Carmella) Gavin. Survivors include her brother, Joseph (Phyllis) Gavin, daughter, Christine Donnini, grandchildren, Carla (William) Schlist and Paula (Thomas) Haskell, great-grandchildren, Natalie and Ryan Schlist, and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was a laboratory worker at Sterling-Winthrop, Inc. and later worked as a senior audit clerk from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. She retired from the State and then worked as a home health aide. Mary enjoyed supporting various animal rights organizations as well as studying astrology and yoga, frequently attending retreats at the Kripalu Yoga Center. Her biggest passion was art. She was an equestrian artist, specializing in oil paintings and charcoal drawings.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare’s Church, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie on Thursday, October 23rd, 2014 at 9:00am followed by internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rensselaer.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and Hospice Inn for their kindness, care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.