Mary Ann Rieth

Mary Ann (Wille) Rieth, 87, of Guilderland, NY, passed peacefully embraced by the love of her family on Sunday, July 21, at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston after a courageous battle with various health issues.

Mary Ann was born in Sterling, Kansas, on September 27, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Frank and Laverne (Vaughn) Wille. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Gerald (Jerry) Nicholas Rieth of Gloversville, her parent-in-laws James & Margaret Rieth, brothers Frank Jr., Philip, & Steven Wille, sister-in-law Jane Meyers, and grandson Nicholas Syron.

Raised in Kansas by parents who believed strongly in the family unit and the Catholic faith, Mary Ann held a deep connection to the Blessed Mother and her Rosary, saying it daily and always keeping one in her purse.

At 17, Mary Ann met Jerry, a Navy sailor who proposed on their first date. Initially thinking he was joking, she said, “Oh, sure,” but when Jerry asked her parents for her hand, she realized the depth of his love. Their marriage, which lasted 54 years, was a partnership filled with unwavering love and adventure. Together, they spent their first 17 years of marriage raising their family wherever the U.S. Navy took them, mostly in Southern California, a place that remained special to Mary Ann. Upon leaving the Navy, they took their four daughters and two dogs and moved to upstate New York, where their family thrived and they enjoyed many happy years together.

Family was everything to Mary Ann, and she instilled this belief in her daughters. She'd always say, “Friends come and go, but you will always have your sisters.” Mary Ann was the heart of her family, raising her daughters with love and firmness. She epitomized strength, shining brightly during Jerry’s long deployments as she supported her husband's Naval career while raising her young daughters. Through her own example, she taught her daughters that they could achieve anything on their own or together, without waiting for a man to come home.

In addition to raising her own children, she played an instrumental role in the lives of her grandchildren and many neighborhood children. She adored her grandchildren and proudly wore the title of “Grandma,” playing a pivotal role in their lives. She was their #1 fan in all things and quick with a warm hug. She also played a valuable role as an honorary grandmother to her dear friend Ann Vadney's grandchildren after Ann's passing.

Christmas was her favorite season, and her daughters were her best friends. She enjoyed visiting Janet in DC, strolling the annual flower show with Debbie, dancing at the Italian festival with Lisa, running Saturday errands with Michele, and taking annual shopping trips to Pennsylvania with her girls. Christmas Eve was always the highlight of her year, when her children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate.

Mary Ann’s elegance was timeless, and she took great pride in her perfectly coordinated outfits and classic makeup. She was a true lady of her time, never leaving the house without looking perfect.

Her love for animals was evident in her support of local shelters and her nurturing of many rescued dogs and cats. In her later years, Mary Ann found joy in her weekly luncheons at the Guilderland Senior Center among the “cat ladies.”

After a life rich in adventure and travel, Mary Ann’s favorite place was always home with family. Living with her youngest daughter Michele, her husband Bill, and their dog Lucy, she found peace in her garden, surrounded by flowers and birds, especially cardinals.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughters Janet (Randy) Saunders of Fairfax, VA, Deborah (James) O'Connor of Glenville, NY, Lisa (Timothy) Askew of Delanson, NY, Michele (William, Jr.) Coons of Guilderland, NY; grandchildren Kyle Askew, Trevor (Christine Bell) Syron, Stephen (Taylor) Syron, Jessica Joralemon-Syron, Gregory (Olyvia) Askew, William (Mandy) Coons III, and Samantha (Patrick Gerstenberger) Coons; step grandchildren Dawn (Broderick) Wooten, Tamara Saunders, Mathew (Lauren) O'Connor, Nicholas (Katelynn) O'Connor and great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Garry Meyers and sisters-in-law Barbara Rieth, Coreen Willie and Rachele Wille.

In her final days, she fought so hard to return home to be with her family and those she loved. As we remember Mary Ann, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Jerry. Together, they will forever be our family’s guardian angels. Mary Ann’s legacy is one of bravery, love, and unyielding strength; not bad for a little girl from Kansas.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary Ann’s family on Monday from 4 to 7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd., Glenville. Interment will follow at Saratoga National VA Cemetery.

As we celebrate Mary Ann’s incredible life, we ask you to honor her memory by spending time with your family and holding your loved ones close. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mohawk Humane Society or an animal shelter near you.