Irene Saganich

1924 - 2022

Saganich, Irene TROY Irene (Richards) Saganich passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the age of 97, while residing with her husband at the Eddy Heritage House in Troy. A native of Rutland, Vt., Irene was born on June 9, 1924, and was the daughter of the late Clement Richards and Irma Greenwood Richards. She was a graduate of Rutland High School and was employed by the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Rutland as a secretary. In October of 1948, Irene was married to William A. Saganich who, less than two years earlier, had been honorably discharged from the Army and served in Europe during World War II. Together they enjoyed more than 73 years of marriage. Irene and Bill began their life together in Arlington, Mass. and relocated to East Schodack in 1963. Irene dedicated her early married years to raising her family and tending to their home. With her family grown, Irene took employment with the East Greenbush School District, as a secretary, where she worked for twenty years. She retired in 1985. She then served for ten years as the town historian for the Town of Schodack and was a member of the East Schodack Garden Club. Irene also served as a religious education teacher and eucharistic minister at St. Mary's Church in Nassau. Irene enjoyed being active in town politics and was very dedicated to her community. Irene was happiest when surrounded by friends and family and you never left her house hungry. She cherished her role of Grammy and never missed a dance recital, music performance, or athletic event. She loved life and was always ready for an adventure and a good time. She may not have been the first person to arrive at a party, but was usually the last to leave. She grew up at the base of Pico Mountain in Rutland and learned to ski at a young age. She even hiked up Mount Washington in New Hampshire and skied down Tuckerman's Ravine. She enjoyed all outdoor sports and continued with cross country skiing in her later years. She even learned how to drive a snowmobile! In the warmer months, she loved being on or in the water, be it ocean, lake, or pool, and especially enjoyed the family vacations on Cape Cod. Whenever music played, her feet were tapping or she was up dancing and singing along whether she knew the words or not, but she usually did! She is survived by her husband, William A. Saganich; her children, William A. Saganich Jr. (Yvonne O'Brien) of Halifax, Pa., Richard P. Saganich (Eugenia) of Milton, Vt., Marian S. Coffey (Robert) of Mechanicville, Cynthia A. Kroposki (late husband Richard) of Hollis, N.H. and Jon D. Saganich (Christa) of McLeansville, N.C.; her grandchildren, William A. Saganich III, Erin Fitch (William), Daniel Coffey (Amy), Natasha Kroposki, Jonathan Kroposki, Shana Saganich (Aaron Piver) and Alexi Saganich; great-grandchildren, Rachel Dirks (Christian), Liam Fitch, Eila Fitch, Emma Coffey, Ian Coffey, Adalie Piver and Brady Piver; great-great-grandson, Remington Dirks; sister, Marion Richards of Rutland, Vt. as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Armand Richards (late wife Ella). The family wishes to thank all of the dedicated nursing professionals at the Eddy Heritage House for their compassionate, devoted care of Irene for the past three years. Friends are invited to visit with the Saganich family on Sunday from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Bowen & Parker Brothers Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. A funeral Mass for Irene will be celebrated by the Reverend Geoffrey D. Burke on Monday at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham. Interment will take place in the Scottsville Cemetery in Danby, Vt. on Tuesday at 12 p.m. Visit bowenandparkerbros.com to leave a fond remembrance of Irene and for driving directions.