Remembrance of the Life of Mary Ellen CoL

Editor’s note: The following obituary is courtesy of Compassionate Funeral Care of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.:

Loretto Co-member Mary Ellen, age 94, passed away peacefully Feb 2, 2025, at the Wesley Health Care Center, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Born on March 22, 1930, in New Orleans, Mary was the daughter of the late Henry Koppin and Mary Morse Koppin. She grew up in Detroit and spent most of her adult life in Schenectady and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and advanced degrees in liberal studies from the College of St. Rose and pastoral ministry from Boston College.

Mary dedicated most of her working life to education, as Program Director at the Y.W.C.A. and public-school teacher in Schenectady; Dean of Student Affairs at St. Catherine College, Springfield, Ky.; and Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Society, Schenectady. She had a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.

Mary was also a Research Fellow at the Yale Divinity School, a Co-Member of the Sisters of Loretto since 1981, a Fellow of the Gardener Museum and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs.

Beyond her professional life, Mary found joy in being outdoors in natural surroundings, particularly at her vacation home in Gilsum, N.H.; reading philosophy and comparative religion; and practicing physical activities such as contemporary dance and Tai Chi. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and dedication to those she loved. Mary cherished time spent in the company of her three sons and four grandchildren most of all.

Mary was predeceased by her brother, Calvin Koppin. She is survived by her sons, Mark Perrino, Christopher Perrino and Stephen Perrino; her beloved grandchildren, Kara Perrino, Andreas Nyenstad Perrino, Anthony Perrino and Zoe Perrino; as well as many dear friends who will miss her gracious spirit.

A modest private memorial service will be held in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sisters of Loretto, 515 Nerinx Road, Nerinx, KY 40049.

Please keep Mary Ellen, her family and all her loved ones in your prayers. May she rest in peace.