Obituary of MaryEllen Barrett

Rensselaer- MaryEllen Barrett passed away on January 26, 2019.   Mother of Lisa Mary DiDonna McGrail (Chuck) of Voorsheesville and Edmund Anthony DiDonna of NYC. Grandmother of Arielle Ewell (Michael) of Guilderland and Charlie McGrail of Salida, CO. Great grandmother of Elijah, Bella and Michael. Step grandmother of Danielle, Wesley, Nikki, Ryan McGrail, little Jowell, Felicity and Chad. Also survived by her brother of John Barrett and several nieces and nephews.

MaryEllen was born in 1935, daughter of the late Edmund and Mae Barrett. She grew up in Rensselaer and attended St. John’s Academy where she graduated as valedictorian in 1952. Several years and children later, she attended Albany State, now known as SUNY and graduated in 1963 with a BA in French and English literature. She taught French in several locations including, Schodack Central Schools, East Greenbush Central Schools, Hudson Valley Community College, Junior College of Albany, and she also taught English as a Second Language in Paris, France and at Russell Sage College in Troy. She pursued was granted a Masters Degree in French Language and Literature in 1968. When language study was considered optional, she changed careers and for many years was a travel consultant in Albany, working for different agencies and enjoying the perks of many trips to Europe, Mexico, and throughout the USA. Eventually, her interests focused on addiction treatment working for Hope House in Albany, Perrin House in Schenectady and Rheinbeck outpatient in Latham. She retired in 2000 and enjoyed traveling to Greece, England, France, Russia and cruises to Canada, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean. Hip surgeries and COPD slowed her down considerably during her last years.

MaryEllen had many dear friends who meant a great deal to her-most are listed here: Peter, Ann, Kathie, Laura, Jackie, Pat H., Dottie and Ed, Nina, Delphine and Paola, George and Cris, Joanie and Johnny, Judy, Nancy, Kim and Lynne H. of Seattle, Linda of Rome and Barbara of Australia, the late Mike McG., Louie, Chuck and Paula, Charlene, Book Club, the Writer’s Group gang and the Sunday Morning River Rats and the many friends of Bill W. who have been so supportive over the last 40 years.      

Funeral service will be held at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer, Wednesday evening at 6pm.  All are welcome to attend.  Relatives and friends are invited any may call prior to the service beginning at 3PM. Interment will take place in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Office 11 Computer Drive W Suite 100 Albany, NY 12205.