Ann Byer

Ann Schako Byer, 96, formerly of Delmar, New York, passed away peacefully in her beloved home state of Vermont, surrounded by family on September 30, 2026.

Born on May 24, 1930, Ann was the only child of John and Tillie (Tekla Gambal) Schako, proud immigrants from Eastern Europe, and was raised in the beautiful little Vermont town of Proctor. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1948 and moved to Albany, NY to attend Albany Medical School Nursing Program with 3 classmates. Upon earning her degree and becoming a Registered Nurse, Ann served as the head nurse in the Maternity Unit of Albany Medical Center.

It was in Albany that Ann met Edward T. Byer Jr., a handsome lifeguard at the city's Mid-City Pool. After first pointing out to Ann that food was not permitted at the water's edge, Ed eventually asked her on a date. They married in Proctor on August 31, 1952, beginning a life together that would span nearly six decades.

Ann and Ed started their family with their first daughter (Debbie) and son (Brad) in the Albany area before moving to both Clifton, NJ, and Liverpool, NY for Ed’s expanding career. They finally settled in Delmar, NY in 1961, where they added another son (John) and daughter (Lisa) to the growing family.

Although raising four children became the central part of Ann's life, nursing remained important to her. For years, she continued to work as a private-duty nurse, caring for patients and families in their homes. Throughout her advanced years, she was always quick to remind healthcare providers that she was an RN. Her instinct to care for others extended well beyond her professional life. When family members became ill or needed help, Ann was often the person who stepped in, caring for her parents and others through times of sickness and need. Both of her parents eventually came to live in the family home as they grew older. This was a central lesson she shared through example with her children and shaped their devotion to Ann in providing the same loving care as she aged.

In 1974, Ed, with Ann by his side, founded Brooks-Byer Associates, a commercial insurance firm, which eventually became a true family business, with their sons as integral members of the team. Over the years, Ann filled a variety of roles, including office manager and bookkeeper, working alongside Ed until their retirement.

Ann was a devout member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, helping lead the parish fashion show, attending daily Mass, and forming a unique bond with the parish priests. Her faith remained an important part of her life as she aged.

After decades of hard work, Ann and Ed retired in 1994 to spend time with their family, travel, and enjoy time at the beloved family camp on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont and their beachside apartment in Marco Island, Florida, which became a second home with treasured friends and memories. A trip to Poland, Ann’s mother’s homeland, stands out as a special journey where they connected with family and created a lasting bond that bridged the loss felt due to immigration.

Ann always enjoyed the companionship of beloved pets, especially the family dog, Noopy, who was single-mindedly devoted to her and whose memory remained fresh with her through the many decades since his passing in 1977. She also had a special bond with her children’s dogs, including Buddy, Jake, and Tucker. They each loved Nanny and cherished time with her.

Ann loved her grandchildren, Ava and Elliott, Brad’s children, whom she cherished spending time with during their childhood and grew exceedingly proud of as they grew into adults. She was blessed to know her great-grandson, Elliott’s son Brooks, who showered Nanny with love and the kindest heart a 5-year-old could have. She was also blessed by Debbie and Gary’s boys, Adam and Brian Peck, and Adam’s sons Aaron and Tyler, who brought great joy to Ann.

After 58 years of marriage, Ed passed on July 3, 2009. Ann remained in Delmar and eventually moved into assisted living, where she enjoyed life and made new friends. During those years, her daughter Debbie and her late husband, Gary, played an especially important role in helping manage Ann’s healthcare needs and ability to remain independent, connected, and supported. She was also greatly supported by her son Brad, who was always on hand to help manage Ann’s needs. Brad faithfully visited his mother on Thursday evenings since Ed’s passing, a practice that continued into the last week of Ann’s life. Her son John and husband, Mac, visited often and were caring and loving participants in Ann’s care.

In 2021, Ann returned to her home state of Vermont to be near her youngest daughter, Lisa and her partner, Mike, in Bennington. She was well loved and cared for by the staff of Clare Bridge at Brookdale Fillmore Pond, and the family is grateful for the care she received. Lisa became a constant presence in the final 5 years of Ann’s life, ensuring her health, happiness, and connection to family. The family was particularly happy to surprise Ann with a 93rd Birthday celebration, bringing together all the important people in her life, a memory they will always hold dear.

With the daily stresses diminished, Ann’s time in Bennington was happy and comfortable, and she remained in high spirits until the very end, flashing her gorgeous smile, always with a sparkle in her eye. Her family is grateful for the extra time they had with Ann in her advanced years, and she never ceased to amaze them with her strength, wit, and intelligence.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Edward T. Byer Jr.; her parents, John and Tillie Schako; and her beloved son-in-law, Gary Peck. She was also predeceased by her father-in-law, Edward Byer, Sr., and her sisters-in-law and their spouses, Charlotte Alston (Ed), Marjorie Whitcomb (Herb), Helen Alston (Jack), Rosemary Sweetser (Jess), Harriett Byer, and Marilyn Husselbeck.

She is survived by her four children, Deborah "Debbie" Byer Peck of Copake, New York; Brad Byer and his partner, Flora Hurteau, of Albany, New York; John Byer and his husband, Malcolm "Mac" Lippert, of Jericho, Vermont; and Lisa Byer and her partner, Mike Baker, of Bennington, Vermont. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ava Byer of Atlanta, GA, Elliott Byer and his wife, Miranda, of Troy, New York; Adam Peck (Lynn) of Philmont, New York; and Brian Peck (Suzanne) of Brewster, NY; her great-grandchildren, Brooks Byer, Aaron Peck and Tyler Peck; many nieces, nephews and members of her extended family; and her special cousin Irene Cook of Plano, Texas, and Irene's family.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, October 5 from 4 to 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar.  A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 am Tuesday, October 6 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar.  Entombment will follow in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont.

Contributions in Ann's memory may be made St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (st.jude.org)