Ilene Fallar Smigen

Mrs. Ilene Fallar Smigen, formerly of Sylvia Lane, passed away peacefully at the Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2008, where she had been a resident for over three years. Ilene was born in Fort Hunter, NY, to the late Peter and Helen Kinney Fallar. Ilene attended schools in Fort Hunter and was a graduate of St. Mary's Institute and the Amsterdam School of Commerce. She was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam. Ilene began her working career at Bigelow Sanford, retiring as the personal secretary to the plant manager. Further work included consulting to the family business, United Welding Supply Company, Inc., that was founded by her husband's family in 1919. She was a tireless volunteer in the Amsterdam area, serving on the boards of many organizations, including the Foundation of Saint Mary's Hospital, Catholic Charities, and the Sara Jane Sanford Home. Ilene served as president of Saint Mary's Hospital Auxiliary and Saint Mary's Home and School Association. In the 1980s, she was appointed as the volunteer member of the Hospital Association of New York State. She loved cruising the shores of the Great Sacandaga aboard her motor yacht, Fidget II. Ilene was the longest tenured member of the Mayfield Yacht Club. In her younger years, Ilene enjoyed skiing, tennis, and golf. She traveled the world extensively, enjoyed a good party, and never wanted to grow old. Ilene was married to Joseph J. Smigen on June 6, 1953. He predeceased her on July 9, 1989. She is survived by her sons, Joseph (Kathy) Smigen of Niskayuna, NY, and Michael (Debra) Smigen of Mayfield, NY; three grandchildren, Shannon of Colgate University, Sara of Gettysburgh College and Michael, II of Mayfield, NY; one step-granddaughter, Allysa Wells; her niece, Nancy Stacey of Scottsdale, AZ; and cousins also survive. Her brother, Edward Fallar, also predeceased Ilene in 2000. The family would like to extend special thanks to Ilene's caregiver, Angela Pirfo, and the staff on the first floor at the Edward L. Wilkinson RHCF. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division St., Amsterdam, NY, followed at 11 by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main St., Amsterdam. Interment will be inSt. Mary's Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the mortuary. Memorial gifts in Ilene's name may be made to the Edward L. Wilkinson RHCF, 4988 Route 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to St. Mary's Church.