Mary Pritchard

Mary D. Pritchard (D'Ercole) 85, passed away October 8, 2025. Mary was born in Seneca Falls, N.Y. on January 8, 1940 to Pasquale (Pat) and Italia (Ida) D'Ercole. She grew up on Mynderse Street just down the street from where the first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848, which surely helped, in part, form her passion for social activism.
Mary graduated from Mynderse Academy and was then the first in her family to graduate college, receiving her Bachelors degree and teaching certificate from SUNY Cortland.
She came to the Capital District accepting an elementary position at Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake Elementary School. While there a coworker and mutual friend of her & future husband, Alun, introduced them while he was performing in a play at Castleton State College in Vermont - a night and 'first date' she would love to recount.
Mary was a passionate teacher, often having former students come up to her, sharing their favorite memories of 'Mrs. Pritchard's Class'. She finished her career at Yates Magnet School of Art and Science, where she and fellow teachers/friends would lunch at Riccitello's once a week. "The Lunch Bunch" was always an important date on her calendar, as they would continue to meet often, after retirement.
Her passion for teaching was not only in the classroom, but as a mother, grandmother, and aunt as well - opening young minds and hearts with a loving, respectful approach.
As mentioned, Mary's sense of social activism, as well as her commitment to volunteering her time and skills were major parts of who she was. During her life she was a member, leader, and/or board member of the following: Schenectady Democrats, League of Women Voters, YWCA, AAUW, Cooperative Extension, SICM, United Way, BPW and NY Statewide Senior Action Council (to name a few ). Often being recognized/awarded locally, and beyond.
In her free time, Mary and Alun enjoyed ushering at SPAC, Capital Rep., Troy Music Hall, and "The Egg". They also traveled extensively, taking tours or cruises both foreign and domestic. While they were still teaching, Winter & Spring breaks were always their time to pack up the van and head to their favorite beaches in Florida, visiting friends and family along the way. Nearing their retirement, travel was to their camp on Pleasant Lake - where many memories were formed with their children, grandchildren and extended family.
Mary, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Mary will be missed at every holiday, family birthday, event, every day. We were very lucky to have her as a role model for what's important in life.
Mary was predeceased by her parents and Alun. She is survived by her son, Michael (Joan), and her daughter, Amy (George Young) all of Niskayuna, her five grandchildren, Evan, Jillian, and Daniel Pritchard, and Kathrine and Abigail Lupien. She is also survived by her sister Patricia (Joseph) Greco, her brother Thomas (Roberta) D'Ercole, and her sister Dorothy D'Ercole. Additionally, she is survived by several beloved nieces and nephews & their children.
Calling hours will be at the Daly Funeral Home on McClellan Street in Schenectady on Friday, October 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.. A private internment service for the family will be at a later date at Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name, to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (northeastern-newyork@cff.org) or Alzheimer's Association.