Theresa A. Purtell

Theresa A. Purtell, 94, of Amsterdam, NY passed away peacefully Monday morning, December 19, 2022 surrounded by her loving children. Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on February 20, 1928. She was the daughter of the late Leah and William Riverin and wife of the late Joseph M. Purtell.

A lifelong Capital District resident, Theresa owned Century 21 Purtell Realty, Inc., serving a term as President of the Greater Capital Region Multiple Listing Service, and for a time served on the City of Amsterdam Water Board of Commissioners. She sang to the Lord every Sunday with St. Mary’s Choir, while her husband served as an usher.

On September 17, 1949 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joseph M. Purtell. They enjoyed raising 9 beautiful children together. Theresa enjoyed being a career woman and helped many families with real estate investments throughout her career. If you ever wondered where she was on her off hours, she was swimming laps in her pool, gardening around her home or cooking homemade soup on top of the stove.

Theresa is survived by her children Patricia Purtell and Kent Smith of Northville, Michael and Kathy Purtell of Hagman, Leigh Purtell and Van Adams of Florida, Joan Purtell and James Gentile of Albany, Joseph and Mary Purtell of Amsterdam, Timothy and Paula Purtell of Amsterdam, Robert and Arlene Purtell of Amsterdam, Christine Oughton of Galway, Caroline and Stephane Attuil of Burnt Hills and adopted daughter Nicole Waite of Amsterdam, sisters Lucile Sherman, East Greenbush and Jane Clemmons, Bakersfield CA, grandchildren Jeffrey and Michele Hanna of Burnt Hills, Michael and Jessica Purtell of Saratoga, Jeremy Purtell of Amsterdam, Jenny Purtell Doyle of Buffalo, Timothy and Andrea Novak of Charlton, Andrew and Erica Novak of Waterford, Jason Furman and Brittney Searl of Denver, Aaron Furman and Kari Quinn of Golden Colorado, William Purtell of Broadalbin, Patrick Purtell of Amsterdam, Stephen Purtell of Amsterdam, Brian Purtell of Amsterdam, Heather Purtell of Amsterdam, Leah Oughton of Boston, Caleb Oughton of Galway, Ben Casale of Boston and Haley Casale of Boston, Surviving great- grandchildren are Jakob Hanna of Burnt Hills, Quentin, Brady, Miles and Leo Purtell of Saratoga, Jeremy Purtell of Amsterdam, Emily, Claire and Maura Doyle of Buffalo, Ryan and Connor Novak of Charlton, Aleksander and Dylan Novak of Waterford and Daniel Furman of Lake George.

Special thank you to all of our many friends and significant others who have guided us all through the bereavement, along with all of the kind, loving aides who cared relentlessly for our mom over the past three years, Nicole, Heather, Angela, Alecia, Kayla, Fulton County Adult Services, St. Mary’s Hospital nurses, staff and for the quick response of the EMT service men and women.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Theresa’s family Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Riley Mortuary, 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebratedThursday, December 22, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY with Fr. Martin Kordel, CRL as celebrant.

Interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Montgomery County ARC or donate a tree in memory of our mom.

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