Saratoga Springs - Mary Fitzpatrick Reed, 81, passed away Saturday (Oct. 31, 2015) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born on Sept. 27, 1934 in Cohoes, NY, Mary was the daughter of the late Edward J. and Beatrice Fitzpatrick. After graduating from Catholic Central High School, in Troy, NY she attended Albany Teacher's College and earned a B.A. in Education. Mary began teaching high school social studies at Heatly High School in Green Island, NY. Next she returned to her alma mater, Catholic Central High School, where she founded one of the first work study programs in the state. Mary's expertise in vocational education brought her to WSWHE BOCES located on Henning Road in Saratoga Springs. She became a leader in creating Work Based Learning opportunities for students and established what we recognize today as Career Exploration and Internship Programs. As a Career Outreach Coordinator, she networked with various BOCES centers to develop curriculum that enhanced employment opportunities. Most importantly, she created a Skills Assessment Record that students used during employment interviews which showcased their knowledge and abilities. Mary advocated for monies both at the state and federal levels creating such unique opportunities as full day visitations by both academic and vocational educators. These associations resulted in the development of co-curricular activities at various employment sectors. As a marketing advocate, she organized local advertising opportunities which promoted adult education such as GED completion through various BOCES school districts. Mary also created vocational advisory committees which served as a bank of industry mentors for vocational students. In 1979, Mary put her entrepreneurial spirit and love of history into action. She wrote a sightseeing tour for Saratoga Springs and started The Saratoga Circuit. This business venture gave tours and coordinated all the assets Saratoga Springs and New York had to offer which included hotels, restaurants and attractions. She was proud to be one of the founding developers of the current Saratoga Convention Bureau. Mary and her daughter Pamela ran The Circuit for over 25 years. They provided travel for local Saratogians and the agency became an avenue for her grandchildren's cultural experiences. In addition to her parents and husband William B. Reed, she was predeceased by her brothers Rev. Edward J. Fitzpatrick and Daniel L. Fitzpatrick (Elizabeth) and two sons, Michael S. Reed and Ralph N. Valenti. Survivors include her children, Shawn S. Reed (Roberta) of Saratoga Springs, Pamela Waring (Michael) of Wilton and Mark Valenti (Nicole) of Las Vegas, NV; brothers John F. Fitzpatrick of Saratoga Springs and Thomas Fitzpatrick (Suzanne) of Rexford; grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael, Ryan, Meredith, Chelsea, Jordan, Joshua, Luke, Dane, Viviana and much loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary loved helping people especially giving students opportunities. Above all she loved her family and would typically say "Isn't Family Wonderful". Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 in the Community Room at the Village at Saratoga, Thoroughbred Drive, Saratoga Springs, from 9am to 12noon. A private family interment will follow at 1pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations in Mary's name be made to a Hospice Center of one's choice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.