Marie T. Stoddard

Marie T. Stoddard passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, with her loving family at her side.  She was 86.

Marie was born on November 14, 1937, in Schenectady, NY to Rose (Dinovo) and Alfonso Palmieri.  Marie married William H. Stoddard, Jr. on October 6, 1957.  Her beloved husband Bill passed away on June 29, 2024, after spending each of their 66 wedding anniversaries together.  Her family is comforted knowing they will spend their 67th and all future anniversaries together.

Marie graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and worked as a secretary at the General Electric Company until choosing to become a homemaker.  Years later, she returned to work, first at the Mohonasen High School Guidance Department and then at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany, NY, initially as the secretary to the Chair of the Hematology Department and eventually retiring as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Medicine.  After retiring from the Albany VA, she returned to the Mohonasen School District for a short time as a Special Needs Aid.

A devoted wife, mother, and mother-in-law, Marie’s greatest legacy was her family.  She rarely missed a concert, sporting, or other significant event in her children’s lives.  Marie took immense pride in ensuring her four children could attend the colleges of their choice.  She and Bill continued following those college teams religiously long after graduation.

Marie’s greatest joy was her grandchildren.  She was very generous with her time and attended their many games, plays, races, and other events.  At home, she never missed an opportunity to play Legos, have a nerf battle, a tea party, or give them a tasty treat.  Her grandchildren’s college sports teams were also added to the family sports team roster.

Marie was a remarkable cook and could whip up a large meal for her family and guests seemingly effortlessly.  She loved baking, especially at the holidays.  Her grandchildren will fondly remember her chocolate chip cookies.  Her Italian cookie and cheesecake recipes were also highly sought after.  Marie made countless meals for family members, friends, and neighbors in need.  Those who benefitted will forever be grateful for the extensive and selfless support she willingly gave.  She was an accomplished pianist and loved crafting, especially ceramics.  Every room in her home had something she made by hand and every holiday was more special because of something she made.

Marie was a devout Catholic and long-time congregant of St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church in Rotterdam, NY, which subsequently merged with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Parish in Guilderland, NY.  As a Eucharist Minister, she served at Mass and took great pleasure delivering the Blessed Sacrament to home-bound congregants.  She was also a long-time member of the Christ Child Society.

Marie is survived by her loving her children William (Kimberly) Stoddard III of Sparta, NJ, Caroline Stoddard of Chicago, IL, Robert (Laura) Stoddard of Rotterdam, NY, Arlene (Martin) Donohue of Wilmette, IL; grandchildren William & Nathaniel Stoddard; Robert (Sophia Margiasso), Zachary (Marlana Fieres) & Rebecca Stoddard, Gabrielle (Nathan) Ryan & Nicholas (Jennifer Demczar) DiCerbo; Liam and Erin Donohue; great-grandchildren Belle, Bryson, Logan & Miles; sister Lillian Karian of Rotterdam, NY; cousin Marie (Ernie) Heymann of Beaver Falls, PA; sisters-in-law Janet Hugo of Lynchburg, VA, Thelma Moyer of Melbourne, FL, Barbara Stoddard of Rotterdam, NY, Elaine (Al) Lutzeier of Beech Mountain, NC, brother-in-law Gene of Schenectady, NY; & many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, parents, brothers-in-law Joseph Karian, Wayne Stoddard, Allan Hugo, David Moyer, and sister-in-law Virginia Stoddard.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Madeleine Sophie, 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY on Friday,October 4, 2024 at 10 am.

Interment will follow immediately at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany, NY, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Bill.

The funeral mass will be livestreamed at smssgabparish.org.  Scroll down to the middle of the home page and click play under the Eucharistic Adoration section.

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research  Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Rest in peace, Mom, your caring heart and love will be deeply missed.  You will be forever cherished by your loved ones.