Obituary of Ann Hurley

Ann Hurley, 90, died in her home in Cotuit, MA, on October 30, 2009. She is survived by her youngest sister, Sr. Mary Brigid, CSJ, of Rochester, NY; her six children and their spouses, John F. Hurley, Jr. (Suzie) of Takoma Park, MD, Patricia Robinson of Richmond, VT, Susan (Bob) Rioux of Cotuit, MA, Stephen (Cathy) Hurley of Troy, MI, Joseph (Cindy) Hurley of Watertown, MA, and Mark (Kelly) Hurley of Saratoga Springs, NY; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and 28 nieces and nephews. Ann was born in Elmira, NY, on August 31, 1919, the fourth of six daughters of Michael and Anna McCarthy. She graduated from Nazareth College, Rochester, NY, in 1941 and taught business subjects in high school in Hammondsport, NY, for two years. In July, 1944, she married John F. (Jack) Hurley of Rushville, NY, to whom she remained married until his death in 1996. Following their marriage, Ann and Jack moved to Schenectady, NY, where she lived as a devoted homemaker and mother to her six children. After her children were grown, Ann returned to teaching business classes for adult education in the Schenectady school system. She was a devout member of St. Helen's Parish, a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Mohawk Golf Club. She also volunteered for several organizations, including Hospice. She was an avid bridge player and played regularly with the Story Avenue bridge group for many years. After Jack's retirement, they spent several months each winter in Satellite Beach, FL, and she continued to winter there with her sister-in-law, Anne Hurley, for many years following his death. She also moved to Coburg Village, a retirement community in Rexford, NY, after his death, and lived there until relocating to the home of her daughter, Susan, in Cotuit in 2006. Ann loved to have fun. She loved to travel. She loved parties and dancing with her husband. She was competitive in all household games and sports. She never gave up a game of gin rummy or ping-pong to her kids. She taught by example. Ann was a friend to all she met. She continued to make good friends throughout her life and many counted her as one of their closest friends. She looked for the good in people. "If you can't say anything nice about someone, don't say anything at all." Her family and friends remember her for her sweet determination to always do the right thing. Ann had strong faith in God. She and Jack sacrificed so that their children could have a Catholic education. They instilled in their children the virtues of love, faith and hope. When their children asked how to thank them for all they had done, they said, be as good to your own children as we were to you. Mom, we will greatly miss your love and your welcoming smile. We love you a million bushels. Viewing hours will be Tuesday, November 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, NY. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 4 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Helen's Church, 1803 Union St., Schenectady. Interment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy Rd., Niskayuna, NY. In keeping with Ann's wishes, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Haven Grief Counseling Center, 703 Union St.,Schenectady, NY 12305 orwww.havengriefcounselingcenter.org.