HUDSON FALLS – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Margaret Altare, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who peacefully passed away in her sleep on the morning of February 6, 2025.
Born on November 29, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, Mary was the daughter of the late Patrick and Anita Hickey. One of twelve children, she grew up surrounded by the love of a big family. She attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and graduated from Clara Barton High School in Brooklyn.
On April 20, 1969, Mary married the love of her life, Gaetano “Guy” Altare, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn. The two shared 33 wonderful years together until Guy’s passing in 2002. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their two children in Queensbury, NY.
Mary had a heart for helping others. She began her career as a candy striper and later became a nurse while living in Brooklyn. After moving upstate, she worked for Namic (Boston Scientific) in the international shipping department for several years before retiring. Never one to sit still, Mary continued to work part-time at Market 32 in Fort Edward, always keeping herself busy.
Family was the center of her world. She and Guy cherished time spent with their children, whether traveling back to Brooklyn, camping at Lake Sacandaga, fishing, or hosting backyard barbecues with loved ones. She adored her grandchildren and was always their biggest supporter, attending wrestling, football, and softball games, dance recitals, fishing trips, and family gatherings. Mary also devoted time to volunteering at Camp Wakpominee alongside her daughter and grandson.
Mary’s warm and nurturing nature extended beyond her immediate family—she was a “mom” to everyone, always offering care and kindness to those around her. She found joy in spending time with her daughter’s family at their camp, becoming part of their camp community, and making lasting memories.
For the past five years, Mary and her family faced the heartbreaking journey of dementia together. Despite the challenges, she continued to show love and care for her family in every way she could. In July 2024, she moved to Fort Hudson Nursing Home, where she was known for her kindness, social spirit, and caring heart.
Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Guy; her parents, Patrick and Anita Hickey; her sister, Anita Hickey; and her brothers, Teddy and Gerard Hickey.
She is survived by her children, Mary Catherine Collier, her husband Jim Collier of Fort Edward, and their two children, Alexander and Gillian, Michael Altare, his partner Cathy Hennessey of Queensbury, and their three children, Guy, Jessica, and Kaitlyn.
She is also survived by her “second daughter,” Amanda Cottone, and her husband, Frank Cottone of Fort Edward, and their children, Frankie and Vivianna; as well as several siblings, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In the early morning of February 6, 2025, Mary said her final goodnight with the same bedtime words she had told her children for years: “Dream of the angels. I love you.” She then peacefully drifted off into her eternal sleep, where she was reunited with the love of her life, Guy.
Mary’s love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 6 pm at the funeral home.
Burial will be at a later date in Union Cemetery in Fort Edward.