Obituary of Mary Shanks

Mary Shanks, 93, of Lancaster Street, Cohoes passed away peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany on Thursday, December 18, 2014 with her loving family by her side after a brief illness, though she bravely and courageously battled cancer for many years. Born and educated in Watervliet and graduated from Business College in Troy. Daughter of the late Sam and Agnes Hovian Azadian. She worked at the Watervliet Arsenal for 12 years, New York State for 6 years and was an avid artist participating in area art exhibits and teacher, teaching children in the capital district area including Troy Boys and Girls Club, Cohoes Community Center, Cohoes Seniors, Watervliet High School and St. Peter Armenian Church. She loved shopping, going to the Racino, antiques and she was an avid reader of history and studied astrology and science. A member of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet. She was predeceased by her husband, Jimmie B. Shanks. Mother of Gary (Kathy) Shanks of Stillwater and Mary Shanks of Cohoes, grandmother of Daniel Culliton. Sister of Cecelia Burgess of Waterford and the late Phil Zadigian and Frank Azadian, also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral Service Tuesday 10:00 am at St. Peter Armenian Church, 100 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet officiated by Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian. Interment will follow in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the DUFRESNE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes on Monday from 4 to 7:30pm. Those who wish to remember Mary in a special way may make a contribution in her name to St. Peter Armenian Church, P.O. Box 196, Watervliet, N.Y. 12189.