Mary Frances Sweet

November 5, 1947 - September 5, 2021

Mary Frances Sweet, 73, passed away with her family at her side on September 5, 2021, after a brief illness. Born in Albany on November 5, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Nellie (Downey) and Maurice Foley. Mary had a 25-year long career at the Civil Service Employees Association until she retired to focus on her true love of home and family. Mary was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and was a founding member of several local Irish American cultural groups. She was a fixture at the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Albany and served in various capacities helping organize the event. She was also an active member of the Rensselaer Elks lodge enjoying time there playing cards and having a good laugh or debate with her friends. Quick to strike up a conversation, Mary enjoyed time with her family most. She valued nothing more than time spent with her husband, children and beloved grandchildren. She was also fortunate to have lifelong bonds with her many cousins and extended family. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Paul; her sons, Patrick (Jennifer Corona) and Gregory (Lisa Kelly); her sister Elizabeth Kluz (Lenny); and her dearest grandchildren, Kathrynann, Sarah-Elizabeth, Meara and Avery. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including her devoted niece Nellie Kluz; and her cherished friend Mary Fran Wiley. Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, in the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home in Rensselaer. A Mass to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 13, in Historic St. Mary's Church on Lodge Street in Albany. Interment will follow in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rensselaer. In the compassionate spirit she embodied throughout her life, and in lieu of flowers, Mary asked that donations be made in her name to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.