Marylou Wensley

Mary Lou Wensley (Cancilla), 75, of Catskill, NY, the devoted wife of William Wensley, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025 with her loving family by her side. Born in Troy NY, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Elizabeth Cancilla.

Mary Lou was a graduate of Troy High School and went on to dedicate 30+ years working for the NYS Comptroller in Albany where she let her witty personality and humble intelligence shine. Upon her retirement, she went on to work 20 years at Whip-O-Will campsites, where she greeted every person she met with a smile and a helping hand. She knew every person by name, remembered every family, looked after every child, and did not shy away from taking an active role in all of the events that made camp special for all.

Mary Lou was a proud member (and occasional shark) of her local TAP Billiard League, happily sinking shots next to her husband and outsmarting anyone who dared underestimate her.

Mary Lou had a fun but fiercely competitive side, especially when it came to Scrabble. She and her close friends of 30 years battled it out during their beloved Scrabble weekends, where winning meant a full year of well-earned bragging rights. The entire family joined in on the playful banter, tossing good-natured jabs and celebrating (or lamenting) each high-scoring word. Whether she was outmaneuvering her opponents or cheering them on, every game was filled with laughter, love, and just the right amount of competitive fire.

Mary Lou adored her family and friends to no end; no matter the problem, she was ready to help those she loved with every ounce of her heart and soul. She prided herself on her children and grandchildren, elated at the chance to tell anyone about their accomplishments, big and small. Her first great grandchild, Ollie quickly became the light of her life. She took pride in spoiling her grand-pets as well, sneaking extra snacks, toys, and unlimited attention.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, William “Froggy” Wensley, her children, Radine Couture, Starr (Jim) Wertman, Kelsey Harbiyeci, Tad Wensley, and Taylor Wensley. She is survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Couture, Carter Couture, Justin Couture, Morgan Couture, Tom Rittner, and her great grandson, Oliver Richie. She is also survived by her siblings, Joseph (the late Sheila) Cancilla, Patrick (Lorraine) Cancilla, Betty (the late Thomas) Gurak ,Barbara (Frank) Hart, and Janice (Robert) Piche, and. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou is predeceased by her parents, Pasquale and Elizabeth Cancilla, and her granddaughter Ruby Yerkes.

A special thank you to her dialysis nurses and NPs at Columbia-Greene Dialysis Center in Jefferson Heights, NY, whom she always spoke of fondly.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Saturday March 15, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Memorial service will be held at the funeral home 12:00 pm. Inurnment will follow the service at St. Patrick's Cemetery (Watervliet).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to HeartsGiving (c/o Kim Moffre) at Venmo: @Kim-Moffre

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