Marybeth F. Leavitt

Marybeth had a lifelong love of being on the water. She grew up boating and swimming in the Long Island Sound; enjoyed snorkeling, scuba diving and even synchronized swimming in college; and in 1978, married Dave and moved to the Adirondacks, where they bought their first boat within weeks of the wedding. Marybeth enjoyed boating, tubing, waterskiing and swimming in the Adirondacks, and was always up to boogie board and swim in beautiful Naples, and snorkel on the reefs in the Florida Keys. As a lifeguard, WSI, mother and grandmother, Marybeth taught countless students, and her own children and grandchildren, how to safely enjoy the water. Marybeth was always happy in, on, or near water.

Marybeth’s kindness and compassion were remarkable. Her friends, colleagues and clients all were fortunate to be cared for by someone who intuitively knew how to help. She supported everyone in her circle quietly but fiercely, and will always be an inspiration for how to live well and do good. Marybeth retired from her role as a social worker at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in 2012.

In her retirement, Marybeth spent her time enjoying her three grandchildren, Theo, Ava and Addie, her friends, and her favorite places. Her happy places were with family at their camp on Osgood Pond in Paul Smiths and with her many friends in Key Colony Beach, Florida. Marybeth was a proud member of the Sunset Singers at Sunset Park in Key Colony Beach.

Marybeth is the beloved wife of 47 years to Dave, devoted mother of Alissa (Dan) Pryde of North Greenbush and Erin (Nick) Tackett of Mildenhall, United Kingdom. She is the cherished grandmother to Theodore and Adalaide Tackett and Ava Pryde. Marybeth is also survived by her brother Richard (Kathy) Fox of Long Island, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and our beloved Uncle, Dick Newell of Paradox Lake, New York. In addition to her parents, Marybeth is predeceased by her brother Douglas.

The family wishes to acknowledge the skilled and compassionate care of Dr. Ramanathan and her staff as Marybeth battled her long and debilitating disease. They also wish to thank the wonderful neighbors and friends who have supported them on this journey, including the many members of the meal train. In Marybeth’s final days, the compassionate and expert care provided by The Community Hospice was a source of comfort and peace to Marybeth and her family.

Arrangements are in the care of New Comer Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may call at New Comer Cremations and Funerals Funeral, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, on Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to noon, with a memorial service at noon. On Aug. 2, an additional service will follow at the Church of the Assumption in Gabriels with internment immediately following at the town of Brighton Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Paul Smith’s-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department at PO Box 145, Gabriels NY, 12939; the Selkirk Fire Department at PO Box 5, Selkirk, NY 12158; or The Community Hospice at 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

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