Rochester: Formerly of Burnt Hills, Mary P. Dagan July 26th 2012. Mary was born in Albany New York to Theresa and Clarence Packman. She spent her first year in Niverville with her brother, Clarence Jr. (Bob) on her family’s farmsteads, including Walnut Grove Apple Farm. In 1925, Mary’s family moved to a home overlooking the Hudson River at Van Wies Point in Glenmont. Ever after, she always loved being on and near the water. Summer afternoons might be spent helping her brother tinker on his car, swimming across the river with friends or painting the never-ending spindles on the long back porch. Evenings would be spent on that porch watching the ocean-going steamers pass by. Growing up Mary had several beloved companions including her pony, “Prince”, and her German Shepherd “Min”. Mary graduated from Albany Business College and worked at Goodyear early in her career. After marrying Marshall in 1951, she became a wonderful homemaker fully participating in many child related activities. She was a Scout leader for many years and then a region coordinator. During this time she also volunteered for numerous worthwhile causes, one of which was the Schenectady Museum. After gaining several years experience, she became the Museum’s Registrar, accessioning all incoming material. She worked at the museum for 32 years and has been recognized for her long and stellar service. Mary loved the outdoors and was a member of the OYKs club, where she met her husband, Marsh, and established many lifelong friendships. She spent many weekends in the Adirondacks camping, skiing, and boating with family and friends. Mary most enjoyed family get togethers and baking family-favorite dishes, such as apple or blueberry pie. She was well versed in canning and preserving and “put up” much of the produce from the family garden. Later in life Mary and Marsh had frequent international travel adventures including trips to Alaska, Europe, China and the Caribbean. Mary always had a kind word for everyone and worked hard to ease another’s path. She is described by her friends as warm and caring, generous, thoughtful, kind and gentle – a joy to be near. She will be sorely missed.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Marshall, her son Robert, and is survived by her children, Lawrence (Anne) and Sandra, and grandchildren, Brian, Paul and Kelly.
Services will be held in York, Maine. Memorials may be directed to the Schenectady Museum Association, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308 or to the Girl Scouts of America, 1020 John Street, W Henrietta, NY 14586. Arrangements Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc Livonia-Honeoye. To send condolences or share a memory, please visit www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Mary Dagan was one of my favorite “adult” persons growing up in the Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake area. Her son Larry was in my class. Larry and I hung out together and had some fun and exciting adventures together, like the time we lost my father’s canoe on a fishing trip in the Adirondacks. We got it back. Mrs. Dagan was the most cheerful and outwardly loving person in my life, other than those in my immediate family. She did not have a judgmental bone in her body, and was accepting equally of everyone, even young teenagers like myself. when Larry and I worked together one summer vacation at Knights Orchard, I rode my bike to the Dagan home every morning to join forces with Larry and was greeting every time by Mrs. Dagan’s radiant smile and loving personality. I feel blessed to have known Mrs. Dagan and to have been on the receiving end of her warm and loving personality on so many occasions during my formative teen years. I will always remember her fondly.