Mary Elizabeth Algie

Mary Elizabeth Algie, 86 years young, departed this world on February 20, 2018. She was living independently at Longview in Ithaca, New York, where she embraced her new life – making new friends and participating in numerous activities.

Mary Liz was the daughter of John and Edna Silsby. Although John Silsby passed away in 1931, Mary Liz’s childhood was wonderful, as Jack Hayes became her father when her mother remarried. Mary Liz attended several schools; at Ogdensburg Free Academy she graduated with honors, and met her future husband, Richard Gorman Algie. They married after she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Mount Holyoke College, and began their journey together. Once all of their children were in school, Mary Liz furthered her education at Syracuse University, graduating from a Masters of Education program. Mary Liz loved living in Sackets Harbor for over 45 years, during which time she taught elementary students in the Watertown City School District.

Mary Liz was a member of AAUW, Hay Memorial Library Reading groups, the Jefferson County Historical Society, Wanderlust Women’s Group, and a Cornell Master Gardener.

As a long-time resident of Northern New York, Mary Liz was involved in many activities: music, reading, gardening, knitting, sewing, animals, boating, swimming, and spending time outdoors. Her passion for these pursuits was shared with her children, who continue to enjoy these interests. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose life was filled with grace, humor and compassion.

Mary Liz was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard, and two sons, Richard and Timothy. She is survived by her children and their spouses, James (Sarah) Algie, Sarah Barrows, Margaret Brown (Timothy Algie’s widow) and Ann (Timothy) Ormsby, her grandchildren, Rebecca and Micah Algie, Katherine Kutnick, Richard and Elizabeth Algie, and Benjamin and Julia Ormsby, and her great granddaughter, Rory Kutnick. Mary Liz adored Oscar, her companion cat, who has been adopted by new pet parents.

A celebration of her life will be held this Summer. Rather than flowers, please consider honoring her memory with a contribution to Hay Memorial Library at 105 South Broad Street; Sackets Harbor, NY 13685.