Margaret J. Waterbury

Rensselaer – Margaret J. Waterbury, age 88, died on January 8, 2026, at the Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home with family at her side.

Born on December 3, 1937, Margaret was the daughter of John Campetelle and Dorothy Wiss. Marge was a lifelong resident of Rensselaer and was a graduate of Columbia High School where she was an avid bowler and the proud recipient of multiple awards.

Marge held many jobs over the years, working for NY Telephone, Sterling Winthrop, a law firm, various waitress jobs in local restaurants, and then Blue Cross Blue Shield as a customer service rep for over 20 years. Marge loved being around people and helping others. She was an active member of St. John’s Church in Rensselaer. Marge was a Rosary Altar Society Member and was named an “Outstanding Member” of the church Auxiliary. Marge was dedicated to serving her church community as an active volunteer in all their community outreach functions for many years.

Most, however, knew Marge for her excellent cooking and hospitality. Cooking was a labor of love that brought her endless joy. From cookies to meatballs & sauce, to soup, she would cook and people would come. Entertaining family, friends, and those in need was her passion. Marge also enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, dining out, social events, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Marge is survived by her sons, Joseph S. Waterbury Jr. (predeceased former wife Sheryl), and John J. Waterbury Sr. (Jeanne); her siblings, John Campetelle (predeceased wife Joan), Carole Triffiletti, Andrew Smith (Theresa), Donna Smith; and her precious grandchildren, Jessica Kelley (Ryan), Kaitlyn Catlin (Ryan), John Waterbury Jr. (Paloma), Allison Waterbury-Loiselle, Jen Waterbury, and Justin Waterbury. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Jack, Makenna, James, Maggie, Vivian, and Harper.

Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Marge’s family on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 4-7pm at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph’s Church, 54 Herrick Street, Rensselaer, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10am. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.