Mary Brinkman

Cobleskill- Mary Ellen Tompkins Brinkman, 85, of Cobleskill, NY, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on May 8, 2017. She dedicated her life to being a loving wife, mom, grandmother, and teacher.

Mary Ellen was born in Schenectady, NY on October 1, 1931. She attended Albany High School, SUNY Cobleskill and received her teaching degree from SUNY Oneonta. It was at SUNY Cobleskill that Mary Ellen, while watching a college basketball game, whispered to her friend, "Do you see that young man on the basketball court, I'm going to marry him one day. That was the start of a wonderful life.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Theodore Brinkman.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her four cherished children, Heidi Brinkman of Cobleskill, Jill Brinkman of Cobleskill , Karen (Jeff) Crewell of Richmond, Virginia and Krage (Alicia) Brinkman of Schenectady and her six beloved grandchildren: David (Shayna) Brinkman of Cobleskill; Paige, Griffin and Gavin Brinkman of Schenectady; Jacob and Kylie Crewell of Richmond, Virginia.

Along with her dedication and love for her family, Mary Ellen had a passion for teaching and had a unique ability to help turn even the toughest kid into a learner. She was known for her humor and compassion in her classroom. She touched hundreds of lives during her 20 + years as a second and third grade teacher at Ryder Elementary School in Cobleskill. She loved teaching! She was an avid reader and enjoyed craft fairs and Flea Markets. As a parishioner at St. Vincent DePaul Church she sang in the choir, something she loved to do. She was a member of Alpha Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Honor Society for teachers. She retired from Ryder Elementary in June of 1994. Mary Ellen was a loving, feisty, strong woman who will forever be missed by all those who were fortunate to share her life and the void she leaves will never be filled.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Linda Crewell, her dear friend (her partner in crime), Sandy Nolte, Tammy Makarowski, Susan Mattice and Judy Brinkman for their compassion, dedication and unwavering love for our mother. We also want to thank all the other care givers from Compassionate Care Givers for their support and care for our mother.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 17, 3027 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 138 Washington Ave., Cobleskill with Rev. Thomas F. Berardi as celebrant. Family and friends are also invited to a period of visitation to be held at the church on Tuesday, May 16th from 5 to 7 PM. Inurnment will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Cobleskill.

Memorial contributions in Mary Ellen's name may be made to Alzheimer's Assoc. Northeastern New York, Pine West Plaza Building 4, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205 or Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill.

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