Sally M. Mangan

Averill Park- Sally M. Mangan, 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Albany Medical Center. Sally was surrounded by her family when she went home to the Lord.

Born in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Loretta Weidman and John DeRusso.

Sally was a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother ("Nanny"), sister, aunt, and friend. An extraordinarily hard worker, she spent many years working two jobs to support her family. She worked at Averill Park High School (APHS) for over 20 years, where she touched the lives of countless students. Her role at APHS allowed her to pour into and connect with the student body in meaningful ways. Sally had a gift for recognizing when someone was hurting, and she made it her mission to reach that student's heart-offering a sense of belonging and genuine care.

It was not unusual for Sally to bake a cake for a student who needed cheering up, making them feel truly "seen." It was equally not unusual to be playfully whacked with a stack of paper towels or lovingly called a "brat" as her unique way of showing affection. If you needed someone to talk to, Sally was there-day or night. As a friend recently shared, Sally was the perfect blend of sweetness and sass, a presence that made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

There was no greater New York Yankees fan than Sally Mangan. She never missed a game and knew every statistic about her team. If the Yankees were playing, no one even considered watching anything else-you were simply told to find another TV. Sally also had a passion for baking for her family, friends, neighbors, and even her bankers. Baking was just one of the many ways she expressed her boundless love.

While she enjoyed the Yankees and baking, nothing in Sally's life surpassed the tremendous love she had for her family. Her children and grandchildren were her world, and she was intentional about staying connected to each and every one of them. Nanny made it a priority to attend her grandchildren's performances and games, supporting them every chance she had. Despite her tiny stature, Sally was a force to be reckoned with-a woman of fierce, unwavering love.

She made a difference in countless lives and left a lasting impression wherever she went. She was a mother figure to all, offering guidance and discipline when needed-whether people liked it or not. Steadfast and respected, Sally Mangan is a treasure we will hold close in our hearts. We praise our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with her life and are forever grateful. Thank you, Mom, for everything.

Sally is survived by her son, Thomas Mangan (Laura); daughters, Renee Hale (Harry) and Teresa Dell (Jason); stepson, Christopher Mangan (Susan) and stepdaughter, Tina Mann (Joakim); grandchildren, Tyler (Lissy), Nicole (Tom), Melody (Ryan), Aedan (Bethany), Isabella, Ayva, Sianna, Ayla, Jonathan, and Macie; and great-grandchildren, Lilly, Brooks, McKenna, and Max. She is also survived by her sisters Kate Huston (John) and Joan Leveroni; four loving stepbrothers and one stepsister; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, James Mangan Jr. (Lisa); sisters, Delores Kelly (Jim) and Jean Nadeau (Donald); brother, Jack DeRusso (Starr); and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Sally's family from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer, NY 12144. Sally's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Henry's Church, 39 Old Rt. 66 Averill Park, NY 12018. Interment will immediately follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd. Albany, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sally's memory to Homeward Bound, P.O. Box 5782 Albany, NY 12205 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.