Mary E. Bentley

June 1, 1918 - September 7, 2015

Obituary for Mary J.E. Rourke Bentley ALBANY, Mary J.E. Rourke Bentley passed away peacefully Monday, September 7, 2015 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Albany, Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Anna Griffen Rourke. She was the loving wife of the late Edward J. Bentley, Sr. who predeceased her on February 9, 1975. Mary and Ed were married September 4, 1944 at St. Joseph’s Church in Albany. Mary was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy in Albany. Mary loved her faith and was devoted to the holy rosary. Through the years, she found joy attending daily mass at Historic St. Mary’s Church and St. Vincent’s. As the matriarch of our large Irish clan, she kept us close, hosting celebrations of every kind. Even a simple meal was special when we gathered at Mom’s table. She was the loving mother of Ann Marie Bentley, Mary Ellen (Michael) Sheldon, Margaret (Frank) DeSanta, Edward J., Jr. (Anne), Patricia (Robert) Lynch, Kathleen (William) Rosch, Daniel (Susan), and Jerome (Susan). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Brian (Erica) Sheldon, Mark (Caitlin) Sheldon, Megan (Dan) Childrose, Moira (Matthew) Mascelli, Mary E. (Nate) Reardon, Edward J. Bentley III, R. Scott (Lauren) Lynch, Kerry K. Lynch, Sean and Colleen Rosch, and Joseph and Patricia Bentley. Also, eight treasured great-grandchildren: Carter, Caroline and Ryan Reardon; Kevin and Clare Lynch; Shea, Liam, and Finnegan Childrose. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas J. Rourke, and sisters Anne Pike and Margaret Gallagher. Special thanks to Tameka Williams for the kind and professional care she gave Mary. Funeral services Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10:00A.M. at Historic St. Mary’s Church, where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. There will be no visitation hours. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.