Colonie - Mary Ellen O’Brien passed away peacefully on June 23 at Albany Medical Center. She was born in Albany on June 26, 1949 to Marie (Herbinger) O’Brien and Daniel O’Brien. She was raised in Colonie and graduated from Notre Dame High School and she received a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose. Mary Ellen taught for 32 years at Voorheesville Elementary School. She truly enjoyed her teaching career and had many fond memories of it. She was blessed to have many dear friends from Voorheesville and her caring neighbors Mary Furan and Christine Johnson. In addition she leaves behind her life long friend Jean Walther Donovan, her cherished goddaughter Amy Donovan Musolino and her dear friend Ed Diegel. She is also survived by her best friend and faithful companion, her current Schnauzer Lexi. Lexi has been adopted by Jean’s son Stephen and his wife Amy.

Mary Ellen’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville. All those who knew and loved Mary Ellen are invited and may also call at the church Monday from 9 - 10 a.m., prior to the mass. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. For those who desire contributions can be made in memory of Mary Ellen to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.