LATHAM - Mary Catherine Liburdi, 85, of Latham, passed away on February 2, 2026, with her loving family by her side. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she was a ferocious advocate for her family and passionately devoted to their success, happiness and care.

She was born in Troy, NY on April 16, 1940, the daughter of the late James Francis Murphy and Mary Agnes (Glenney) Murphy. Growing up in Troy, she attended Catholic Central High School and was a communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Church. She attended Russell Sage College, receiving her degree as a Registered Nurse. She quickly pursued a storied nursing career that brought her into her favorite world of operating room nursing, where she was Director of the Operating Room at Memorial Hospital. She was an Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) NYS representative and pursued lifelong education through advanced specialty certifications. She moved on to be the Director of Nursing for Guilderland Center Nursing Home and ultimately retired from a long career at Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP) as an Assessment Manager.

After retiring, she took on her most favorite role of being grandmother or “Baba” to her three grandchildren. Her love of them was strong, generous and fierce and will always be felt. She was their teacher, a protector and friend, who cared deeply about their happiness and well-being above all else.

Mary Catherine is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Bennie Liburdi. She is survived by her beloved children, Mary Colleen (Scott Crisafulli) and Benedict (Michelle Scaringe) who were the lights of her life. She was a proud grandmother and “Baba” to Bennie, Anthony and Zachary.

In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, James Murphy.

Mary Catherine spent much time at church, finding peace and support as a communicant of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Latham, NY and prior to that, St. Patrick’s Church in Watervliet, NY. She also found great joy as an avid reader, reading 3-5 books a week, and traveling to her beloved library on a weekly basis, one of her favorite places. She loved to travel throughout the US and internationally with her husband and family. Whether traveling cross-county to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and many of the western National parks or internationally, visiting both Ireland and Italy, she was thrilled to explore by travel and visited most of the United States.

She loved animals and her pets were most honored family members. She spent much time appreciating nature and loved birdwatching as well as keeping tabs on the wildlife that love spending time in and around her home. She had a passion for creative endeavors and was an avid gardener. She enjoyed landscaping at her home and was an enthusiastic collector of vintage Halloween and Christmas decorations. She celebrated all holidays (especially St. Patrick’s Day) through her gorgeous decorating and beautifully designed wreaths. We will miss the wonderfully wrapped and thoughtfully chosen gifts and unique cards she sent for every holiday and milestone. Her goal was always to make everyone she loved feel like they were truly special and that they made a difference.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday February 12, 2026, at 10 am in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 at 10 AM, calling hours will take place prior from 9 to 10 at the church. Burial will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville NY.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mary Catherine Liburdi can be made to: Cavalier Rescue USA, cavalierrescueusa.org 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham NY 12110.

To share a memory or for more information please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.