Mary Ellen "Auntie" Albrecht, 76, of One Temple Square, Fredonia died Monday (Nov. 19, 2012) at Brooks Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness.
Born Feb. 22, 1936 in Dunkirk, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Pauline (Schultz) Albrecht.
A lifelong area resident, Mary Ellen was employed as an office manager at the former Sidey's Department Store in Dunkirk, retiring after 38 years of service.
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She was a member of the Laona Methodist Church and a former member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Dunkirk. Mary Ellen was influential in the establishment of the Rachel Circle of the Women's Fellowship at St. John's UCC, taught Sunday School, served on Church Council and was employed as the church's secretary.
Auntie enjoyed playing cards and bingo with her friends at One Temple Square. She loved to knit and crochet and was very fond of cat and angel collectibles and memorabilia.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her guardian parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick (Dorothy) Albrecht; a sister, Kathryn (Albrecht) Klinefelter; her sister-of-the-heart and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard (Marilyn) Kupkowski; and nephews Leonard and Harry Klinefelter.
Survivors include her nephew, Leonard (Susan) Kupkowski; nieces, Mari Ellen (Kupkowski) Szwejbka and Sheila (Klinefelter) Mazany; great-nieces and great-nephews; several cousins; and former co-worker and dearest friend, Betty Morse.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock in St. John's United Church of Christ. The Rev. Thomas Lawton will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
