Mary E. Phibbs

North Greenbush- Mary E. (Wait) Phibbs, 88, of Wynantskill, NY, passed away peacefully at the Van Rensselaer Manor on December 28, 2024. 

Born on October 23, 1936 at 21 Pine Avenue in Wynantskill; Mary was the cherished daughter of Mary (Quell) and LeGrand Wait. Mary was a proud graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, NY, class of 1954. She married the love of her life, Thomas Phibbs, Jr, on April 14, 1956, beginning a journey of love and partnership that spanned nearly seven decades.

Mary had been the House Assistant to the Pastor at the Rectory for St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wynantskill, NY. She was a Past President and lifetime member of the Altar Rosary Society. Her commitment to her faith and community was evident through her service and kindness.

 Prior to her residence at VRM, Mary was actively involved in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, serving as the Past Secretary of the Albany, NY Chapter, and was also a member of the GWRRA-Lakeland Fireballs in Florida. Additionally, she was a proud member of the American Motorcycle Association. She and Tom traveled on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to every State in the United States except for Hawaii and to all of the Canadian provinces and territories.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas, and their three children: Kathryn (Marty) Andrews of Averill Park, Thomas (Colleen) Phibbs of Troy, NY and Karen (Jim) Ferritto of Largo, FL. Mary’s legacy continues through her four grandchildren, Thomas (Lauren) Phibbs, Ryan (Kathryn Pawlak) Phibbs, Samantha (Eric) Patch and Tyler (Kendra) Andrews and five great-grandchildren, Rook Patch, Jovie Andrews, Shepard, Iris and Maren Phibbs and step grandchildren: Carl Ferritto, Jacqueline Ashley and Jaime Lynn Ferritto, they brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Jay (Clara) Phibbs and sister-in-law, Edith (Wait) Lovell, and many nieces and nephews.

 Mary was predeceased by her brothers, Leon (Anne), John (Marjorie) and Bernard (Edith Lovell) Wait. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and love for her family were the cornerstones of her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, wisdom and the warmth she brought to all who knew her.

 The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to the staff at the Van Rensselaer Manor, especially those on 3A for their exceptional care of Mary. They were very helpful, compassionate and professional in all their duties.

 Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 10:00-12:00 PM at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 43 Brookside Avenue, Wynantskill. Her Funeral Mass will follow her calling hours and then the Right of Committal will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, 413 Main Avenue, Wynantskill, NY. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Van Rensselaer Manor-Patient Activities Fund, 85 Bloomingrove Drive, Troy, NY. 12180.

 Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.