Shirley M. Mackiewicz

Shirley Williams Miller Mackiewicz, 1918-2008, of Albany, N.Y., passed
away on November 28 of respiratory failure, resulting from Parkinson's
Disease which she endured for over 14 years. She is survived by her
husband of 50 years, John S. Mackiewicz, and her daughter Janina and
husband Anton Harfmann, 2 granddaughters, Kristen and husband Kyle
Short, and Katya and husband Greg Hopkins, all residing in southern
Ohio. Sister of the late Dwight R. Miller Jr. of Dummerston,
Vermont, she is also survived by her sisters Ruth Story of Ithaca,
N.Y. and Eleanor Sherberg of Brattleboro, Vermont, and many nieces,
nephews and cousins.

Her education included Brattleboro High School in Vermont, and a B.Ed.
(cum laude) from the University of Vermont, M.Ed from Boston
University, and Ph.D. in science education from Cornell University
(1958). Her early experience in elementary education included four
years as a demonstration teacher for Lyndon Teachers College,
Lyndonville ,Vermont and nine years teaching biology and science
education at Johnson Teachers College, Johnson, Vermont.

Her primary postgraduate career was devoted to nurturing family and
to service in such organizations as the General Peter Gansevoort
Chapter of the DAR, where she served on numerous committees as well
as Regent (1987-1989).
She was especially active in genealogical research for the chapter.
As a member of the early Faculty Wives group at the State University
of New York at Albany, she was particularly active in campus Red
Cross Blood Drives.

She played the piano, could make her own clothes, was fond of
gardening, liked to camp and hike and was a fine cook who was
constantly trying new recipes. She continued a strong interest in
nature study throughout her life. Soft spoken, non-judgmental, kind,
and of quiet demeanor, she enjoyed the company of friends and took
great joy in helping others. Hers was a life for which heaven was made.

A Gathering and Remembrance for her friends and family will be held
on Saturday, December 6, from 3:00-- 5:00, concluding with a brief
service at 5:00 PM, at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner
Road, Colonie, NY 12205. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com directions may also be found there.

Because of Shirley's longstanding association with DAR, her
disability during later years, and her inability to access their
public and educational functions at the Van Schaick Mansion, a fund
has been established for the purpose of creating handicap
accessibility at the mansion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made payable to the "Van Schaick Mansion Project" and sent to:
Citizens Bank, 1440 Central Ave., Albany, N.Y., 12205. Please
designate acct. #4006304624 in memo field