Ildra A. Morse

Ildra “Sis” (Ableman) Morse

Ildra “Sis” (Ableman) Morse, 94, of Albany, New York, died at home on July 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 21, 1931 to William L. Ableman and Ildra E. (Jones) Ableman. She lived through more than a third of our nation's history, witnessing remarkable changes in the world while remaining grounded in the values that defined her life.

She attended a one-room schoolhouse for K-8th grades and graduated from Altamont High School in 1949. After high school, she attended Mildred Elley Secretarial School in Albany where she learned typing, shorthand, and accounting. She graduated in 1950.

Ildra worked as a secretary for Memory Gardens, Security Insurance, and Mutual Benefit Life Insurance, and then took time off to become a mom. After her daughters went to school, Ildra became a part-time legal secretary for James E. Conway. She continued working for him full-time at his newly formed company, AYCO, until her retirement in 1988. She then worked for LaVelle & Finn after they merged with AYCO, until she retired again in 2006. Throughout her career, she was able to successfully adapt to ever-changing technology.

Ildra met Carl A. Morse in March of 1959 at Guptill’s Roller Skating Rink. She wasn’t skating the first time they saw each other, but he caught her eye. The next week, she put on a pair of skates and joined him on the rink.

Carl and Ildra were married on October 8, 1960, at the McKownville United Methodist Church in Albany where they were the second couple to be married in the church’s new sanctuary. The house they bought together remained their home for their 66 years of marriage.

Ildra was a very active member of the McKownville United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School for many years, was the Sunday School Superintendent, mentored children to prepare them for Confirmation, was a member of the Altar Guild, served as Cradle Roll coordinator, assisted with the chicken BBQs, belonged to the Over the Hill Gang, and was the oldest member of the church at the time of her death. Her faith was an extremely important part of her life. She quietly lived a life sharing her love of God with others through her actions.

Although she did not consider herself a crafter, Ildra made many items for her loved ones such as Halloween costumes, dresses, and quilts. She strongly valued family history and made sure to pass down stories, photographs, and belongings, even creating personalized scrapbooks for each of her daughters and grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan and cheered for the Red Sox, Bills, Sabres, and UConn Women’s basketball; and was an enthusiastic foe of the opposing teams. Holidays, or even just the occasional visit, were likely to include an apple pie, New York-style cheesecake topped with cherries, or another delicious homemade treat. She was a feisty card game competitor and regular bingo player.

Ildra was preceded in death by her parents, William L. Ableman and Ildra E. (Jones) Ableman; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles “Sonny” (Gertrude) Ableman, Leslie Ableman, Paul Ableman, Clyde “Whitey” (Edith) Ableman, and William L. Ableman Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Morse; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Leslie) Ableman and Arlene (Paul) Ableman; daughters, Eleata (Mark) Mitchell and Barbara Swanson; grandchildren, Lauren Mitchell, Valerie (Gabe) DeBrita, Jacob (Samantha) Swanson, Jaclyn (Andrew Morrow) Paige, and Jessica (Josiah) Buss; great-grandsons, Jase Swanson, Rory Morrow-Paige, Moses Morrow-Paige, Levi Swanson, Matthew Swanson, and Declan Buss; several nieces and nephews; and many loving neighbors and friends.

All are welcome to attend services on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Calling hours will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. Following the service, a cemetery burial will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery, 216 Western Ave, Guilderland, NY 12084.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Guilderland Food Pantry, www.guilderlandfoodpantry.com at 4 Charles Blvd, Guilderland, NY 12084 or to the McKownville UMC Memorial Fund, at 1565 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203, in memory of Ildra.

To share a memory of Ildra or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guest book below.