Obituary of Mary Ann M. Waters

Mary Ann McManamon Waters of Glenmont NY departed this life peacefully on November 14, 2023 at Albany Medical Center Hospital, after an extended illness. She was 79 years old, just a few weeks short of her 80th birthday. Born in Albany, she grew up in Delmar with her parents Edward and Mildred McManamon. She was a proud member of the Bethlehem Central High School Class of 1962, attended the College of Saint Rose where she majored in English, and received her MA in Asian History at the University of Rhode Island. 

She is survived by Emory W. Waters, her husband of 34 years; by her two children from her previous marriage to Frank Quinn: daughter Colleen Quinn (Jonathan Murphy) and son Kevin Quinn (Yoko Suzuki), both of Brooklyn NY, her grandson Quentin Murphy, and granddaughter Emi Quinn; by her sister Roberta Jean Egan of West Chester PA, and by her two nephews Andrew Michael Egan and Edward Brennan Egan.

In addition to her work in both the private and public sector (in particular, many years spent as a Public Information Specialist with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets), Mary Ann led an active life as both a creative artist and a highly-accomplished arts administrator. She published four novels (including "Earl's 34 Hr. Breakfast Bar and Grill") , collaborated with her husband on two operas ("Brave Jack," and "The Edge of Glory"), and in the early 1970's wrote the book and lyrics for the Ballston Spa Community Players' musical production "Pennypacker's Powerful Potion." She was one of the founding members of the Music Company Orchestra, served on its board, and played clarinet in it for many years. Later she founded the New Century Ensemble, a professional chamber orchestra, and produced most of its programs. In the late 1980's she served on the Capital Region Advisory Panel for the NYS Arts Council's Decentralization Grant Program, including one year serving as its Chair. After moving to Richmond VA in the latter 1990's Mary Ann played clarinet in several concert bands and wind ensembles, and served on the board of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. In May of 2020 she and Emory moved back to the Albany area to be closer to Colleen and Kevin's households in Brooklyn.

Family and friends are invited to an informal gathering to celebrate Mary Ann's life, on Sunday, January 7 2024 (it would have been her 80th Birthday) from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM, at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar NY 12054.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Mary Ann's name to the American Diabetes Association, or to the charity of your choice.