Mary Ellen M. Carabis

East Nassau- Mary Ellen M. (Wachtel) Carabis, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Mary Ellen was born in Troy, NY to the late Mary (Vandekerckhove) and James Wachtel. She worked for many years as an engineer at the New York Telephone Company, in Albany, NY. Mary Ellen was a resident of East Nassau for over 50 years and a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s of the Nativity Parish, in Nassau. She was an accomplished quilter and spinner and enjoyed being part of organizations, which revolved around those activities. Mary Ellen was also a lover of animals, especially horses, which for many years she had at her home. She was very artistic and an amazing cook and baker. Mary Ellen had a love for the ocean, gardening, and nature.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Edward J. Carabis; her brother, James Wachtel; and her sister, Sr. Martha Wachtel, CSJ. She is survived by her children, James Carabis and Ellen (James) Mattrazzo; her brother, Peter (Shirley) Wachtel; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary Ellen’s family on Monday March 18, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s of the Nativity Parish, 26 Church St. Nassau, NY 12123. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the church at 11:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY 12871.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to St. Mary’s of the Nativity Church, 26 Church St. Nassau, NY 12123.