Mary Ellen Donato

Altamont - Mary Ellen Eck Donato, 84, died on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at St. Peter's Hospital. Mary was a warm, lovely lady with a big heart, a large family, and many friends. She ran a successful antique and collectible business for years in Altamont. She took pleasure in cooking, baking, playing bingo and playing cards with Clare, Lisa and Michelle, doing puzzles with Kay, and going to Seniors. Her greatest joy was visiting with her family and friends. She delighted in the special dinners every Sunday. In the last few years, Mary had a little caretaker, her granddaughter, Hailee. She helped Grandma with many things, including the computer. She is survived by her sister, Clare Wright, her adoring family: Louis (Louise), William (Rita), Joseph (Carol), Susan-Angel Donato (Aldas Ridgley III). John (Joyce), Peter (Barbara). Patrick, Gerald (Karen), Wayne (Janet); Daughter-in-laws: Carol and Susan; 25 grandchildren Karen (Gregory), Mary Ellen (Luis), Melissa (Ron), Nick, Marc (Kim), Becky (Gary), Rhonda (Dave), Apryl, Joe, Lacey (LA), Morocco, Messiah (Monica), Charisma, Galaxy, Mercedes, Israel, Josh, Tori, Zoe, Samuel, Morgan, Kelsey, Evan, Rosie (Andre), and Hailee; 15 great grandchildren Kaylee, Blaze, Lily, LeeAnn, Steven, Caroline, Valerie, Stephanie, Isabella, Eliza Jane, Brad, Riley, Colin, James, Messiah, Myah, and Zion; 2 great-great grandchildren Tyler and Cassidy as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents Emmanuel and Maude Eck; her brothers Paul, Emmanuel, and Walter Eck, her sister Gertrude Gravel, the love and light of her life, her husband Louis; and her devoted sons, Dominick and Thomas and Joe Cuevas, her chosen son. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at St. Lucy's Church, 113 Grand St, Altamont, followed by an interment in Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 3 to 7 pm at the Fredendall Funeral Home, Altamont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Altamont Rescue Squad, PO Box 56, Altamont, NY 12009. The Donato family wishes to express our sincerest thanks to the staff at 5 Brady-Farrell at St. Peter's Hospital for their compassion and care in Mary's time of need.