Obituary of Mary Percifield

Mary Percifield, 96, passed away peacefully at home in Saratoga Springs on April 25, 2026. A native of her beloved Brooklyn, she attended St. John’s University before building a life centered on family and education. She raised her children on Long Island, and later spent 15 years in San Francisco before retiring to Saratoga Springs.

Mary was a beloved teacher of 40 years but found her calling in the sixth-grade classroom, where demand for a seat often exceeded available space. She had a gift for making every child feel seen, and believed deeply in the potential of each one.

With an open heart and mind, Mary never met a stranger. She built relationships with people from diverse walks of life.

She was an avid reader of The New York Times and a passionate champion of books of all kinds, gifting them for special occasions or because she believed a book was the most enduring gift.

Mary was also an accomplished baker and shared her creations. She once baked 120 mini cakes as wedding favors for one of her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her warmth and generosity.

Mary is survived by her four children, Daniel Marsh, Holly Porrino, Christina Hofinga, Patrick Marsh and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Percifield.

Relatives and friends are invited to St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 for Visitation in the Chapel on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and to her funeral Mass of Christian Burial which will immediately follow beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Church.

Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871

Please feel free to Share a Memory on this page with Mary’s family which will be added to her Tribute Wall.