ALBANY – Mery C. Seeman-Sokal, 68, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021. Mery was born and raised in Endicott, the daughter of the late John W. Seeman and Billie Dunlap Seeman. She attended Maine-Endwell High School, was a graduate of the University of Hartford, and received her Master’s Degree from Marywood College. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she lived in Vestal for a time, and was employed by Family Services of Chemung County, The Blind Work Association and Catholic Services in Binghamton. She then came to the Capital District, and was employed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, and Clinical Services in Albany, before entering private practice. As a social worker, she helped many clients, and shared her curiosity towards life.
Mery was a charming, caring woman who was genuine and real. Full of good humor, she was always ready with a quick laugh. She had many close, life-long friends and was always open and welcoming to all.
She was always up for adventure and exploration. She loved the wild places, especially the Adirondack Mountains, where she hiked, camped, canoed and snowshoed. Mery met her husband Steven Sokal through the Adirondack Mountain Club Singles group. They were married in 2002 and shared many adventures.
She was tireless in sharing her love of wilderness with others. Mery served on the ADK Adventure Outings Committee for years, and led trips in Minnesota, North Carolina, Utah, Italy and Spain. She also supported the ADK Trails Committee, did trail work and cooked for the crews.
She later served as an instructor in DEC’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program. She was also an interpretive guide at the Pine Bush Visitor Center, Newcomb Visitor Information Center and Adirondack Museum.
Mery loved playing tennis and bicycling in the area and with friends biked the Erie Canal. She loved music, and played flute in chamber music groups, hosted drum circles and sang alto with the Octavo Singers in Schenectady. She also loved and supported Steven’s avocation in playing keyboards in the Swing Docs, an amateur Big Band.
For relaxation, she enjoyed cooking, fine dining, gardening, shopping in second-hand and antique shops, and travel. She and Steven had favorite spots in the US they visited frequently – Cape May, New Jersey, Florida, and the Rocky Mountains. They toured together abroad including Spain, Mexico, British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, India, and Belgium.
Mery is survived by her beloved husband Steven A. Sokal; her sister Laurie Seeman of New City; her sister-in-law Anne Sokal; her brother-in-law James Sokal (Diane); her niece Nell Skoda; and her nephew Jonas Skoda.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 17th in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany at 3:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions to The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY 12977. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or find updated service information, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Peter & Drieux Koeppel
Mery was a light in all our lives. She had a wicked sense of humor, and was warm, loving and engaging to all she encountered. We loved her dearly. Steve is in our thoughts and prayers.
“God be with you till we meet again
By his counsels, guide uphold you.
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again.
Daniel Yeager
To Mery’s family,
I worked with Mery for many years at Catholic Charities in Binghamton. Mery was a warm and compassionate professional who was an asset to our small group of therapists. Her zest for life was a blessing and her laughter was contagious. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Judy Allen Mumma
Mery was a wonderful childhood friend. I loved reading about her paths through life and her many accomplishments. May Mery’s precious soul through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Irene Pakel
I went to high school with Mery; I will always remember Mary’s energy, her great sense of humor, and her overall exuberance. In addition to being a “fun gal”, Mery had a deep sense of compassion & caring for others. Mery was one-of-a-kind (the GOOD kind) and will never be forgotten.
DANIELA K FILMER
Dear Steve, on behalf of our network of home caregivers, I want to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife, Mery. God Bless you for all the comfort you brought her throughout your marriage and during her final days. – Daniela
shelley kessler
Dear Steve: Mery was a dear, treasured, long-term friend. We shared many good times, as well as struggles together,. She was a caring, smart, laughter filled friend, who added much to my life. You were the love of her life. Thank you for being there for and with her for all of the great years you had together, and for the difficult times at the end. She will bi in our hearts always.
Diane Mitrione
Steve, Sending condolence and sympathy, Mery loved you very much. I regularly told her when we had girl talk in recent years that she was lucky to find you and she would agree. She will always be with you. I will always remember laughing with Mery and discussing life and the universe, and miss her.
Yog R. Varma
Dear Steve:
Very sorry to learn that you have lost your beloved wife at such a young age. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for this tragedy. I pray that God gives you courage to accept this loss and peace of mind and tranquility to bring near-normalcy in your life.
Sincerely,
Yog
Matt Cinadr PE
Dear Steve,
I can recall sharing your joy when you were wed, during our days at the PSC we always shared in searching fir the common good. I share the sadness you must endure and pray the best for you.
God’s stead my friend,
Matt Cinadr
Patrice O’’Connor
Steve, I so sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. She was my sister-in-law’s best friend in high school (Christine O’Connor). Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Audrey L Capers
Dear Steve,
I offer my deepest sympathy upon the passing of your wife, Mery. May God bless you and comfort you. And, may your many memories of the times you shared together, including times spent hiking and exploring other countries, give you some comfort.
Peace and Blessings,
Audrey Capers
Carmela Turpin
Dear Steve,
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. I never met Mery but she sounds amazing. I pray that you find peace. Sincerely, Carm Turpin