Mary Ellen Jannsen

Mary Ellen Jannsen of Berne, NY passed away December 2, 2015 at the age of 75 in St. Peter's Hospice Inn with her daughter, Christine, by her side. Mary Ellen was well known under the name Elderberry Mary and famous for her homemade jams, jellies and pickles. She participated in several local craft fairs for many years such as the Bronck Musuem, Ten Broeck Mansion, Shaker Heritage Museum and currently at Indian Ladder Farms and for more than 25 years up in Windham Mountain, NY. Mary Ellen was born March 25, 1940 the daughter of Helen Card Rees and Jacob Roscoe Delbert Rees. Her husband Martin Jannsen predeceased her as did her brothers Robert Rees and Clarence Rees. Mary Ellen leaves behind a brother Charles Rees (Beth) of Wisconsin, her sister Bonnie Derkowski (Donald) of Schenectady and her beloved pet Sophie. Her six children Christine DeLong (Gene), Lawrence Peek (Jo-Ann), Charles Benninger (Cherie), Bridget Tucker (Kevin), James Benninger (Jennifer), and Helen Crane, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews and great grandchildren. Calling hours will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home, Altamont, NY on Saturday, December 5 from 10AM to Noon with a service to follow. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial in Schenectady after the service. The family would sincerely like to thank everyone from the Westerlo Rescue Squad and the kind and caring staff at St. Peters Hospital and Hospice Inn. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, NY