Jones Funeral Home, Inc.

05/27/2026

Catherine Ann Sager

Catherine Ann Shortsleeve Sager, 71, of Schenectady, New York, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Born in Albany, New York, Catherine was the daughter of the late Raymond Abram Shortsleeve and Evelyn Leilia (Wetzel) Shortsleeve. She spent her life in Schenectady, where she built a home filled with love, kindness, and care for those around her.

Catherine found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved knitting, crocheting, tending to her flowers, and collecting rocks and crystals. Music was almost always playing in her home, and fresh flowers could be found throughout the house. She had a bright spirit and a gentle way about her that made others feel welcome.

Some of her happiest memories were made on family camping trips to Thacher Park with her former husband, Virgil Sager, and their children. She enjoyed long walks, time spent outdoors, and the company of those she loved.

For more than ten years, Catherine worked at Heritage Home for Women. As a nurse's aide, she devoted herself to caring for others and also volunteered her time at the local food bank. She was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church of Schenectady and lived her life guided by compassion, generosity, and service to others.

Above all else, Catherine was devoted to her family. Her face would light up whenever she saw them, especially her grandson Christopher. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her door was always open, her heart was always giving, and her presence brought comfort to those around her. Her unwavering devotion to caring for her son W***y was one of the many ways she expressed her deep and enduring love.

Catherine is survived by her children, Michael Paul (Erikalyn Zadlo) Sager of Delanson and William Raymond Sager of Saratoga. She is also survived by her siblings, Joseph (Joyce) Shortsleeve, Marie Unson, and Sarah Shortsleeve; her beloved nieces, Jennifer Smith and Leilia Mosher; and her grandson, Christopher Sager, whom she adored beyond measure.

In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased by her brother, Larry Shortsleeve.

Catherine will be remembered for her warmth, her gentle spirit, and the love she so freely shared with family, friends, and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, with a prayer service to begin at 5:30pm, at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Albany NY.

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05/26/2026

June E. Peterson

June Elizabeth Peterson, 89, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. Born on June 17, 1936, in Auburn, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Harold and Marion (Champlin) Short. She grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Auburn, NY, alongside her siblings, Marion, Eleanore, and Harold. The values of hard work, compassion, and family that she learned during her childhood remained with her throughout her life.

June attended Hope College, where she met her husband, Robert “Bob” Peterson. The two were married on August 8, 1958, beginning a life together that would span five decades until his passing in 2009. During the early years of their marriage, June taught elementary school while Bob attended seminary at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Together, they built a loving home and created many happy memories while raising their children and serving the Reformed Church of America in Livingston, Coxsackie, Cleveland, Utica, and Albany. After raising her family as a stay-at-home mother, June returned to education, teaching preschool. June will be remembered for her gentle heart, unwavering commitment to family and friends, and her many years helping children learn and grow.

June is survived by her sons, David Peterson and his wife, Malinda, and James Peterson and his wife, Mary. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Brittani) Peterson, Megan (Ryan) Hudyncia, Jason Peterson, and Kathryn Peterson, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Chayse Peterson, and Michael and Maya Hudyncia. She is also survived by her sister, Eleanore Norden; her sister-in-law, Suzanne Peterson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to her husband, Bob, June was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Marion Mappes; her brother, Harold Short; her brothers-in-law, Russell Norden and Leon Mappes; her sister-in-law, Joyce Short; and her nephews, Peter Short and John Mappes.

A Memorial Service celebrating June’s life will be held at Niskayuna Reformed Church on June 13 at 11:00 a.m. A live stream of the service will be available at https://niskayunareformed.org/

In lieu of flowers, donations in June’s memory may be made to Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Niskayuna, NY 12309.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caring staff at Hudson Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, St. Peter’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and St. Peter’s Hospital. They also thank the pastors and members of the Niskayuna Reformed Church and her numerous friends for all the love and support they gave over the years.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.jonesfh.net.

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05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Because of them, we are given the gift of freedom—something we hold close not only today, but every day.

As we gather with loved ones this Memorial Day, may we take a moment to reflect, to remember the lives lost, and to express our deepest gratitude to those who gave everything.

We remember. We honor. We are forever grateful.

05/20/2026

Love and loss are forever intertwined. One cannot exist without the other; the grief we feel is a reflection of the love we’ve shared.

Even in loss, that love remains—shaping us, guiding us, and reminding us of what truly matters.

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration, but for many, it also carries a quiet ache.

Today, we are holding space for the children who are missing their moms—the ones who wish they could pick up the phone, share a hug, or hear her voice just one more time. We also honor the mothers who carry the unimaginable loss of a child, whose love remains just as deep, even in absence.

This Mother’s Day, we remember, we honor, and we hold close the memories of those we are missing.

Our staff is thinking of you today, and every day. You are not alone.🌷♥️

05/06/2026

Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are hard to put into words, but there is healing in sharing what’s on your heart.

Whether it’s with a friend, a family member, or a support group, talking about your feelings can help lighten the weight you carry. You don’t have to walk through grief alone.

04/29/2026

Grief isn’t something to fix, it’s something to feel, to carry, and to move through in your own time. 💙

However it shows up for you today, know that it’s valid. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting, it means learning how to live with love and loss, side by side.

04/27/2026

Jamie Diane Famiano

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jamie Diane (Kerr) Famiano, aged 66, of Schenectady, NY. As a beloved mother, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend, Jamie will be deeply missed.

Jamie's life was characterized by her immense love for her children and grandchildren, as well as her ongoing struggle with addiction. Despite the obstacles she faced, her compassion and kindness left a significant mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her two children and their spouses, Joe Famiano (and Stephanie) and Alyssa Cangemi (and Nic), who were her greatest joys, as well as her grandchildren, Justin, Cameron, and Levi. Jamie also leaves her brothers Doug (and his wife Lee Ann and their children Betsy, Katie, and Cooper), Greg (and his children Samantha and Casey), and Jeremy (and his wife Martha, and their children Logan and Braeden). Jamie is predeceased by her parents Cora and Roger Kerr.

The family finds solace in the cherished memories of her vibrant spirit and the unconditional love she offered. Jamie will be missed but will always be remembered for her resilience and unwavering commitment to her family.

May she rest in peace, free from the burdens that once weighed her down.

Contributions in Jamie’s honor may be made to the Foundation for Ellis Medicine. Contact Beth Frear at [email protected] or 518-243-3434 to donate.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205.

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04/15/2026

Some loved ones may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Their memory continues to bloom in the quiet moments, the shared stories, and the love that never fades. 🌷🌻

03/28/2026

Virginia M. Grover

Niskayuna - Virginia Marie Grover, known as “Ginny” to family and friends, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 22, 2026.

Ginny was born on June 30, 1932 to Daniel and Mildred (Phelan) Redmond in Berwyn, PA, where she grew up with her four brothers and a large extended family.

The small town of Berwyn was her home for 29 years. It was where she met the love of her life, Anson Roy Grover Jr., at her childhood parish of St. Monica’s Church, where she was the organist and choir director. As Roy was often home on weekends to visit his parents (also members of the parish), Ginny encouraged him to join the choir. They were married at the church Feb. 11, 1961, the beginning of 56 years together.

In addition to her family and her Catholic faith, music was a big part of Ginny’s life. After graduating from Villa Maria Academy, she earned her BA in music at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, where she was the class treasurer and Glee Club president. While working as an executive secretary at Paoli Bank, she decided to pursue her music certification at West Chester State Teacher’s College. For four years, she taught vocal and instrumental music at area schools, and earned her MA in education at Villanova University in 1961.

After marrying and settling first in Plainfield and then Martinsville, NJ, Ginny and Roy had four children before moving to Schenectady, NY in 1973. In Martinsville, Ginny served as the church organist at Blessed Sacrament Parish. In Schenectady, she and Roy were members of the choir at the former St Helen’s Church (now St Kateri Tekakwitha), and Ginny was a substitute organist, often playing for weddings, funerals and church school functions. Ginny and Roy formed close and lasting friendships through their almost 50 years of attending and volunteering with their parish. Ginny was a regular at morning mass and an active member of the Bereavement Ministry well past her 90th birthday.

Outside the church, Ginny was a member of the Rosendale Estates Garden Club, serving as president for a time, and enjoyed playing bridge but “only for fun.”

Once Roy retired, the pair were free to travel, including trips to California and Ireland, annual drives to Florida, and yearly fall excursions to their beloved Ogunquit, Maine. Their life was filled with visits from their kids and late-night gatherings with friends, almost always ending with a few songs sung around the piano.

Ginny was predeceased by her husband Roy and four brothers, Daniel, John, William and Robert. She is survived by her four children: Carolyn (Chris) Adams, Mary (Bill) Brandel, Andy (Tricia Rooney) Grover and Diane (Randy) Benedict. She also loved her 10 grandchildren, their spouses and fiancés, and one great grandson: Charlie, Joe and Anthony Adams; Liam (Anya Parauda) and Kate Brandel; Kerry (Eric) Bland, Anson (Genai Bittrich) and Mairead Grover; and Beth Benedict (James Tompkins), Sarah (Ryan) DeMarco and Jack Tyler DeMarco.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers—our “angels”—who surrounded Ginny with compassionate care in her final weeks.

Relatives and friends may call April 9, 4-7 pm, at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave, Colonie, NY. A funeral Mass will be celebrated April 10, at 10 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, Union St. Burial will follow at a later date in Berwyn, PA, where she will join her beloved Roy.

Contributions in Ginny’s memory can be made to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 2216 Rosa Rd., Schenectady, NY 12309 or City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305.To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.JonesFuneralny.com

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