Margaret Mary Whelan

Albany- Margaret Mary Whelan, 45, transitioned into new life on Monday July 7, 2025  at Albany Medical Center after a short illness. 

She is survived by her parents Jim and Maggie, siblings Colleen Garbarini, Jim (Rebecca) Whelan, Daniel Whelan, Shannon Whelan, Matthew (Meghan) Whelan, Julie Whelan, many nieces and nephews, one great niece and one great nephew. She is also survived by her best friend Janet.

Margaret Mary was a resident of Catholic Charities Warren House and liked spending time with her friend Kerry, and playing UNO with family, which she usually won. She attended the Center for Disability Services Smith Center where she enjoyed having her hair fixed and her nails done. She was a real people person and would seek out friends to interact with. Her favorite pastime was enjoying coffee with friends and spending time with her sister Mitzi.

Margaret Mary was a volunteer at the Guilderland Library where she dusted shelves and Our Lady of Mercy Life Center where she handed out hymn books at Mass. She touched many lives when she volunteered for Residents Encounter Christ retreats for inmates. Margaret Mary also attended a retreat every year at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center.

She will be remembered for her ability to overcome obstacles by advocating for herself. Those who knew her saw an intelligent and sensitive woman.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful people who Interpreted American Sign Language for Margaret Mary especially Renee and Melissa.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center's Retreat for persons with Disabilities.