Mary Ellen Kolbe

Mary Ellen Kolbe, 92, of Harrower Lane, Amsterdam, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 14, 2024, with her loving grandchildren by her side. 

Born December 16, 1931, in Atlantic City, NJ to Rose Marie Harkins (Nana Rose) and Edward F. Harkins, she relocated to Amsterdam, NY as an infant with her two brothers where she was raised by her mother and uncle, Joseph L. Barber.

Mary Ellen attended the former St. Joseph’s School and graduated from St. Mary’s Institute, Class of ‘49.

She married the love of her life, Charles “Bud” Kolbe on January 13, 1951, and they shared 53 wonderful years together until his passing in 2004.

Mary Ellen worked at the former Mohasco Industries until she became a homemaker while raising her family. She then went on to work for the Greater Amsterdam School District as a Teacher's Assistant and Library Aide at Tecler Elementary School until her retirement.

She was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and a member of Mt. Carmel Seniors.

Mary Ellen was a loving and devoted mother who loved spending time with her family, relatives, friends, and neighbors. Her life was a testament to the power of her warmth and benevolence.

She had the keen ability to make everyone around her feel special and she will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Ellen leaves behind a loving daughter, Janet (Tim) Czeski; sons, Charles J. “Buddy” (Carla) Kolbe, Robert J. Kolbe and Mark (Dawn) Kolbe, her adoring grandchildren; Tara Czeski, Tricia (Greg) Leone, Kyle (Lauren) Kolbe, T.J. (Promyse) Czeski, Keegan Kolbe, Kate (Graham) Boatwright and Joe Kolbe; six great-grandchildren who lovingly called her G.G., Taelyn, Tanner and Tenley Leone, Kaidlyn, Kynlie and Kane Kolbe, Charlie and Beckham Kolbe, Teagan Carverand Eloise Czeski, her loving and supportive brother Joseph L. (Marigay) Harkins as well as the entire Harkins family.

Mary Ellen is predeceased by her grandson, C.J. Kolbe, infant granddaughter, Traci Lyn Czeski, brother and sister-in-law Edward F and Bertha Harkins and niece, Mary Christine Harkins.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Ellen’s niece, Robin Moller and her daughter-in-law, Jill Kolbe for their loving attention, care and compassion. Also, a special thanks to the Hillcrest staff and the staff and doctors at St. Mary’s Healthcare ICU, especially Dr. Michael Sheridan for his support and guidance.

Mary Ellen’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary Ellen’s family prior top the Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church.  

Private Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CJ Kolbe Endowment Fund C/O:Make-A-Wish NENY, 92 Congress St., Suite 200, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. or by calling (518) 456-9474. or by clicking on the following link: https://bit.ly/CJKolbe.

To leave a message for the family please visit www.rileymortuary.com.