Jean E. Mulligan

ALBANY – Jean E. Mulligan, 93, of Albany, passed away peacefully at home with family at her side, on Tuesday September 13, 2022. Jean was born in Albany to the late Charles Sr. and May (Ebel) Schmitt. Jean was predeceased by her husband Charles who passed away in 1985.

Before marrying, Jean was a dedicated employee of Whitehead Brothers and volunteered as a Gray Lady for the Red Cross. Jean was very proud of her work as a Gray Lady and really enjoyed caring for those in need. Jean left her position at Whitehead Brothers to raise her children. She was a devoted mother to her 5 children and dedicated her life to caring for them and to being actively involved in their activities through school, scouting and sports. Until the very end she was a mother before anything else, always thinking about her children and grandchildren, putting their needs before hers, concern for their wellbeing foremost in her mind. Jean was a loving grandmother of 19 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren, affectionately referred to as Grams by many of them. When they were younger, her weekend nights were filled with small grandchildren spending the night while she catered to their every want and need. Jean enjoyed a special bond with her firstborn grandchild, Ashley, having weekly dinners and game nights together, along with her late sister Shirley who also enjoyed that special bond. All of her children and grandchildren have a multitude of memories of special times at her house, building strong relationships with her and enjoying every holiday there. Jean’s legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren as they share their stories of the wonderful times they had with her. In addition to spending time and playing games with her family, she also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and jumbles, reading, watching Hallmark and TCM movies, betting on the horses while sipping on coffee or wine. Jean was always so thoughtful when choosing gifts, really thinking of the person and what they liked.

Jean is survived by her 5 children, Denise (Jim) Sheriff, Sheila (Mike) Morris, Kevin (Mary Beth) Mulligan, Brian (Joanne) Mulligan and Kara (Mike) Skelly. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren: Ashley, Daniel (Kristine), Jeffrey (Kallyn) and Connor Sheriff; Kelcie (Brandon), Sierra and Carly (Ethan) Morris; Rick Kornak, Mary Jean, Carrie Rose, Jo Ann, Laura Beth and Charlie Mulligan; David (Nick), Michael (Jen), Sarah (Zeyad) and Sean (Sheila) Mulligan; Alexa Mari and Jack Skelly. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Jean was also predeceased by her cherished siblings Charles, John, Shirley Schmitt.

The family would like to thank those who cared for Jean in her last year, especially Cheryl Clarke, Stacy Flavin, and Gloria Vandenburg.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00pm at Cannon Funeral Home 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. Funeral services will be Monday at 9:30 am at the funeral home with service to follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, 6601 Frederick Road, Baltimore, MD 21228 in memory of Jean E Mulligan and with thanks for the wonderful home provided for her grandson Jack Skelly and his family during many times of need.