Obituary of Mary L. Van Epps

Mary L. Cahill Van Epps, 84, of Albany went home to be with The Lord on May 6, 2022. She passed away Albany Medical Center after a long illness. Mary was born in Albany to the late James and Louise Cahill and is also predeceased by her brother, Gerald Cahill. Survivors include her daughters, Lisa (Mark Retersdorf) of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Lori Gauthier of Watervliet, NY; her grandson, David Risso of Temecula, CA; her great-grandson, Anthony Risso of LeCenter, MN; her brother, James Cahill (Marie) of Selbyville, DE; and several nieces and nephews. Mary was a graduate of Albany High School and Andrews & Holbrook Training Corporation. She held several positions during her 33 years of NYS employment and retired from the University at Albany School of Public Health in 2000. Following her retirement, she was a medical transcriptionist for several Albany area physicians. She also did volunteer work in the Pastoral Care Office of St. Peter's Hospital, the Prayer and Healing Center, the Alpha Pregnancy Care Center, and as a telephone counselor for True Friends. Mary was a faithful Christian who lived a devoted life in service to the Lord, Jesus Christ. For more than 30 years she attended The Road to Damascus Church as one of its original members. There she and her dear friend, Barbara Smith, would lead worship and do special music. She later spent many years at Cornerstone Christian Church until she left as part of the team that would plant The Shepherds House, under the leadership of Pastor Michael Brennan. Along with her love for worship and music ministry, Mary was a skillful servant in the children’s ministry at Cornerstone Christian Church. Over the past seven years, she has been a member of Hope Chapel where she faithfully attended until her illness prevented her going in-person. She deeply loved her pastors Dave & Sharon Cramer and was delighted and honored to pray for them as part of the intercessory prayer team. Over the years, Mary accumulated a great many friends whom she loved and served with everything she had. She was also greatly loved by her family, her church, and a great many friends who miss her dearly. Friends and relatives are invited to attend both a viewing and a homecoming celebration to be held at Hope Chapel, 3429 Rt. 9, Valatie, NY on Thursday May 12 with viewing to be held from 10am-11:30am and homecoming celebration commencing at 11:30am. Take Exit 12 off of 1-90 East, turn right, and go approximately 3 miles to the first traffic light at Rt. 9 and Herrick Road. The church building is on the right immediately past the traffic light. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany, NY immediately following the celebration.