ALBANY – Mary A. Femia, 81, went to heaven on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, with her family and friends at her side. Mary was born on August 4, 1937 in Albany, NY and was the daughter of John and Mary Martin.
Mary graduated from the St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse for 58 years. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the College of Saint Rose. She dedicated most of her nursing career working at St. Peter’s Hospital. After working many years in various clinical areas, Mary became a Certified Addiction Nurse and worked several years on both inpatient and outpatient detox units, helping thousands of people recover from chemical and substance abuse. In 2015, Paul Grondahl of the Time Union, wrote a feature story on Mary’s work helping heroin addicts.
Mary always had a warm smile and loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed reading and going on trips to the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and Vermont. Mary spent countless hours volunteering to help others. She served as a Eucharist Minister in the Pastoral Care Department at St. Peter’s Hospital and was a Mercy Associate with the Sisters of Mercy. Mary also served as the President of Catholic Nurses for more than 30 years. Mary donated her time as an adult leader and merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America. Mary was recognized for her volunteer work, receiving the Hometown Heroes Award and nomination for the Jefferson Award.
Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, Fiore Femia, son John Femia, granddaughter Theresa Barber (Jason), great granddaughter Zoey Barber, and several nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her brothers Raymond Martin and Thomas Martin. The family would like to thank Father Tallman for his spiritual support and dear friends Patty Sullivan and Kim Roche for their constant support and kindness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment will follow the mass in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Convent of Mercy at the above address. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Marirose Cubello
Mary you were an angel here on earth now fly with your heavenly angels !! Your love and compassion for all will be sorely missed. I used to love seeing you in the hospital ( your 2nd home ) and talking with you! Rest In Peace Mary
Tommy Martin
Just saw Mrs Femia 2 weeks ago, helping with her house phone, she was my grandparents very good friend..I’ve known her my whole life; She ALWAYS had a smile on her face! She sat on my front porch with my grandfather, many many times, just to keep him company & chat!!! I will never forget that!! She worked with my grandmother at St Peters for over 25 yrs!!! The three of them are probably playing cards right now!!! Mr Femia, my thoughts & prayers, and you call me anytime if you need anything, just yell out your front door!!!! Love You!
Nancy Gallitelli
Mary, always welcoming and life loving. You were a pleasure to talk to. I thought of you on Sunday at the St. Peter’s liturgy. Missing your participation. You have earned a spot in heaven for sure,
Jane O'Connor Foster
I was a classmate of Mary when we attended St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1958. Although I have not kept in close touch with Mary I have seen her at the Annual St. Peter’s Hospital Alumni Dinners. I have also found her on Facebook and always enjoyed her little comments.
I offer my deep sympathy to her lovely family. God Bless
Jane
Suzanne and Elli Benno
Elli and I want to extend our sincere condolences. We will miss her. We enjoyed talking and socializing with her. May her memory be a blessing.
Joan Ribley-Borck, President
You will be missed greatly.
May you rest in peace.
With love
Albany Council Of Catholic Nurses
Miller Family
Our deepest sympathy at this critical time. May peace and comfort come from above. Psalms 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd I will lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; He leads me to well -watered resting places.”
Gail Rosettie
Condolences to Mary’s family. I worked with Mary on 6 McCauley during the 1970s as a faculty member from Maria College. Mary was a role model and leader for the nurses on the unit. She was always kind, patient, and willing to teach students. She provided excellent patient care at all times. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with her.