Saratoga Springs, NY - Mary Teresa Ryan (Rafferty), 83, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026.

Born on October 15, 1942, in Albany, New York to Eleanor (Sweeney) and Arthur Kiffen Rafferty, Mary was one of eight children. Her siblings affectionately nicknamed her "T.C.," short for Teresa, a sweet, enduring moniker that captured her spirited personality and stayed with her through the years. Mary graduated from St. Joseph's Academy where she enjoyed cheering for the school and created many lifelong friendships.

She shared 49 years of marriage with the love of her life, Paul J. Ryan Sr. before his passing in 2011. Together they loved dancing, hosting parties, traveling, and creating memories with their five children, and grandchildren. They built a warm and welcoming home that was always open to friends and relatives.

Mary started her working life with Friendly Home Parties and later enjoyed a fulfilling career with New York State, eventually retiring from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) in human resources, where she took great pride in her work. She retired with a sense of accomplishment and many fond workplace stories.

Over the years, Mary lived in Albany, East Greenbush, and Saratoga Springs, New York and Cape Coral, Florida. She returned to Saratoga Springs later in life to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and dear friends. She made her home at The Summit, where she enjoyed making new friendships and sharing many happy times together.

Mary’s talents including quilting, sewing, and knitting. “Grammy’s jammies”, her beautiful sweaters, afghans, and quilts will forever remain cherished keepsakes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Mary had a fun, competitive streak. She loved playing cards, Scrabble, Yahtzee, and other games in which she usually won, as was evidenced by the twinkle in her eye and that playful smirk. She was quick-witted, funny, and possessed an unwavering, fierce love for her children and extended family.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her sisters Marcia Barbagallo and Eleanor Weingarden, her brother, Michael Rafferty, her sisters in law Rosemarie Rafferty and Marilyn Rafferty, and her brother-in-law, John Barbagallo.

She is survived by her devoted children: Paul J. Ryan Jr. of Lake George, NY, Patrick (Nicole) Ryan of Winterville, NC, Kathleen Ryan of Erie, PA, Kevin Ryan of Troy, NY, and Jennifer (Joseph) Gargano of Saratoga Springs, NY, her grandchildren Elizabeth, Benjamin, Allison, Thomas, Amanda, Madeleine, Julian, Dylan, and her great-grandson Wyatt. She is also survived by her siblings Arthur Rafferty, Kathleen Ashline, Brian Rafferty, Tracy Hanley, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

To honor Mary's life and allow family and friends to pay their respects, calling hours will be Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway. Burial will follow at the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

Following the Rite of Committal, please join us for refreshments and fellowship at:

The Divot Bar and Grille, 2 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Mom touched so many lives with her kindness, quick wit, and endless love. Your presence, thoughts, and prayers mean the world to us during this time. We look forward to gathering, sharing stories, and celebrating her remarkable life together, perhaps with a friendly game of Scrabble or Yahtzee in her honor. Thank you all for your love and support. Mary “T.C." will be forever in our hearts: loved dearly, missed deeply, and remembered always.

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