Klingenberger, Mary A.

ALBANY- Mary A. (Schafer) Klingenberger, 79, died Sunday, May 10, 2015 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Albany she was the daughter of the late John and Honora (Kahnle) Schafer II. She was a graduate of Vincentian Institute Class of 1953 and a member of the Vinettes. Mary worked for the NYS Dept. of Mental Hygiene from 1953-1960 where she was executive secretary .In 1960 she married Karl F. Klingenberger and from 1967-1990 she oversaw the operation of the family liquor store, Karl’s Wines and Liquors. Mary was a lifelong communicant of St. James Church and member of the Rosary Society. She volunteered extensively with the Church and school in many capacities including first grade reading instructor, Cub Scout leader and at the annual bazaar. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Childs Hospital, Eden Park Nursing Home and for the home bound within the community. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce in 1977 as a Systems Analyst with the NYS Department of Social Services until her retirement in 1995.

Along with her husband Karl, Mary enjoyed traveling especially to Medjugorje, Croatia in keeping with her special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Karl Klingenberger; children, Anne Marie McGrath of Castleton, Theresa (Thomas) Bechard of Rouses Point, NY, Robert Klingenberger of New Haven, CT, Patricia (Mark) Brignola of Averill Park and Kristine O’Hanlon of Delmar; grandchildren, Jessica, Karl Francis and Laura Bechard, Colleen and Brian McGrath, Elizabeth Vincent, Eugene Patrick and Nora O’Hanlon; also survived by a niece, a nephew and several cousins. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her brother, John E. Schafer, III.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 15, 2015 at 8:30 am from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany thence to Historic St. Mary’s Church on Capitol Hill, Pine and Lodge Streets, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will follow the Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-1942.