Mary Fanny Vannatten

Mary F. VanNatten (Burke), passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 78 in Knoxville T.N. She was born on July 24, 1946, in Schenectady, NY, to the late Robert and Alice Burke of Rotterdam, NY. Mary was raised in Rotterdam and attended the Schalmont School system, graduating in 1965. She spent 25 years working in retail before transitioning to a role with the Schenectady County ARC in 1990. Over her 17-year tenure, she worked at both the Maple Ridge and Princetown Ridge facilities, retiring in August 2007. Mary was known for her kindness and compassion. She cherished her family and was blessed with many friendships throughout her life. She was predeceased by her longtime love, James White, in 2022; her brother-in-law, Howard "Nick" Nichols of Pattersonville, NY; and her sister, Billie Belshaw of Rotterdam, NY. She is survived by her sister, Alice Nichols of Pattersonville, NY; her daughter, Joyce Jones (William) of Saratoga Springs, NY, along with their children DeVante’, Xavier, and Christopher; and her daughter, Amy Soule (Stanley) of Strawberry Plains, TN, along with their children Stanley and Alexis. Mary was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Adalyn. Additionally, she leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In retirement Mary and Jim spent their summers in N.Y. and their winters on lake Okeechobee in Florida until settling in Dandridge T.N. several years ago. Mary’s memory will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.