Gansevoort, NY - Mary Ann Handy, 81, of Gansevoort, passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2025. She was born on May 30, 1944, in Ballston Spa, to the late Nils and Valaura Westerlund.

Mary Ann pursued her love of teaching, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. She dedicated 44 years to first-grade students at Lake Avenue and Division Street schools. Mary Ann was a patient and understanding teacher. She had the ability to get the most positive results from her students and often said that she never had a bad class, ever. Mary Ann could not go anywhere without one of her former students stopping to let her know how much they had loved her and the fond memories they had of their teacher, Mrs. Handy. She remembered them all and it brought her such joy to have that connection with them. It was through teaching that she met the love of her life, David Handy, having celebrated 50 years of marriage last August.

Mary Ann and David loved to travel to Ogunquit, Maine where they enjoyed reading, relaxing and catching up with friends they had made at the Anchorage by the Sea. She often told David that she loved him to the moon and back. Spending time together was their favorite thing, and they never spent more than three days apart during their lifetime together.

She is survived by her beloved husband, David. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Gayle Westerlund, niece Kim Demczar and sister-in-law, Jan (Dennis) Mason and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was predeceased by her brother, Armand.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or Shriners Hospitals (Shriners Hospitals for Children, Corporate Headquarters, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607).

The Handy family would like to thank the staff at the Saratoga Home of the Good Shephard for all their love, support, care, and kindness. Their hugs made a difference.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm, Monday, August 11, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY  (518-584-5373).

A Funeral Home Service will be celebrated at 11am, Tuesday, August 12 at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.