Obituary of Anna With

SOUTH BETHLEHEM -Anna Mary (Anna Mae) Gilleran With, 86, died on August 18, 2013 at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany. Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late James J. Gilleran and Mary Hession Gilleran. Anna Mary graduated from Blessed Sacrament School, the Vincentian Institute High School, The College of St. Rose where she received a bachelor of science degree in biology, and the New York State College for Teachers Albany where she received a master of science degree in biology. She is a former member of the faculty at The College of St. Rose, Department of Biology. Anna Mary will be remembered by family and friends for her warm smile and generous spirit and as a lifelong volunteer and a member of a number of area community and civic organizations. She was an active member and Director of the College of St. Rose National Alumni Association, and was a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma national scholastic honor society and the American Association of University Women. Anna Mary was inspired by the life of Venerable Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, and for the past several years as a Mercy Associate, Anna formally incorporated the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Mercy into her life. Anna Mary served as a volunteer at the McAuley Residence always looking forward to making a difference in the lives of the residents she encountered. She also served for many years as a member of the Ladies of Charity of the Albany Diocese. For nearly 30 years Anna Mary served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle, Delmar. She also actively participated in Church Women United. Anna Mary enthusiastically served her community, 24 hours a day, for 38 years as a Dispatcher with the Selkirk Volunteer Fire District answering the fire phone and dispatching the fire trucks to fight fires. She was also a member of the Selkirk Volunteer Fire District Ladies Auxiliary. She had a deep love of science and was an Associate with the New York State Museum, a volunteer for many years with the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Delmar, a member of the Five Rivers Limited, and a member of the NYS Entomology Club. Anna loved learning about military history and was a member of the Capital District Civil War Roundtable and always looked forward to attending their various events. She also was member of the West Point Parents Club of the United States Military Academy. Always a teacher, Anna Mary's love for her belief in the education energized those around her and she touched the lives of hundreds of students as she volunteered to support and further the education of children in many educational institutions in the Albany area including Christian Brothers Academy (Guidance Resource Center), St. Thomas the Apostle School (Great Books leader and reading assistant), and St. Patrick's School, Ravena (library assistant). She was also an active member of the various PTAs for the schools her children attended. Anna Mary was an avid reader of books and played bridge and euchre. Music also held a very special place in her life and she encouraged all her children to take music lessons on various instruments. Anna Mary was the beloved wife for 62 years of Frank A. With; dear mother of Margaret Chevalier (Roger), James (Sharon), Thomas, Catherine, and Peter (Theresa); cherished grandmother of Chase and Max Chevalier, and Brendan, Marguerite and Christopher With; sister of Nora Telfer and Sr. Mary Brendan (Margaret) Gilleran, CSJ. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar on Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Burial will follow the Mass in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Those wishing to remember Anna Mary in a special way may send a contribution to the Gilleran-With Families Legacy Scholarship at The College of St. Rose, Albany, New York.