Patricia B. Mackey

Rensselaer- Patricia Ann Mackey (nee Blum), 89, of Rensselaer, NY, died on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The loving devotion of her two care-giving daughters allowed Patricia to pass in the serenity and familiarity of her home.

She was an only child, born to Mildred Alice Grant and Paul Charles Blum on May 18th, 1937, in Albany, NY. She attended school in Albany, and was a proud graduate of The Vincentian Institute. She then attended Buffalo State University and SUNY Albany, where she studied Art and English.

With a degree in English and Education, she taught at Guilderland and Bethlehem High Schools.

Her marriage to William C. Mackey, and the arrivals of her two beautiful daughters, prompted a career change. Patricia held several positions in the SUNY system in Albany, including at The Research Foundation and as the Personal Assistant to the Chancellor of Education. Among the many personal letters and cards that Patricia kept were several highly complimentary performance evaluations from her bosses and colleagues. She eventually retired in 1998.

After her husband's passing in 1993, Patricia developed a very special relationship with Charles "Bus" Kieley. She and Bus became avid travellers. Their adventures included an Alaskan cruise and visits to most of our National Parks.

She also enjoyed the outdoors on the golf course, downhill ski slopes, and cross-country ski trails. Her love of nature - especially birds - included going on Bird Spotting and Reporting trips. She loved dogs, especially her grand-dogs Blue, Sasha, Harper, Holly, Lassie, and Brock who were always welcome in her home.

In addition to her outdoor interests, she was truly a Patron of the Arts. She shared this appreciation of culture with her daughters, with train rides to Broadway shows, visits to art galleries and museums, and attending NYC Ballet performances and Symphony recitals.

She was "Patsy" to her large group of friends and coworkers, and she was "Mimi" to her three loving and lucky grandsons. To her, everyone was welcome and everyone was family. She loved to host gatherings of friends and family. As a great cook and baker, as well as being an entertaining story-teller, her gatherings made everyone feel special.

She especially enjoyed her time at Burden Lake - not only for its natural beauty, but also for the very special friends she had there. She spent many years volunteering her time as Treasurer of the Burden Lake Conservation Association.

Patricia was predeceased by her husband and parents, as well as several other relatives.

She is survived by her daughters Krista Donahoe (Tom) and Tricia (Trish) Mackey, her grandsons Patrick, Brendan, and Christian Donahoe, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patricia's family would like to thank all who assisted with her care recently, especially Sandy Carmichael, Yvette McEvoy, and Ryan Callagan.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Patricia's family from 4:00-7:00 p.m., on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer, NY 12144.

Patricia's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick Street in Rensselaer, NY 12144. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Rd. Albany, NY 2205.

Remembrance donations will be graciously accepted at either The Community Hospice or Burden Lake Conservation Association, Inc.