Mary was born on July 5, 1952, to Francis “Frank” Fagan and Madeline (Padden) Fagan of Wellsville, NY. Mary grew up on Hanover Street with her six siblings and a close-knit group of family, cousins, and lifelong friends. The family then moved to East State Street where new neighborhood memories grew including those with the Hart cousins up the road.
After graduating from Immaculate Conception School in 1967 and Wellsville High School in 1970, Mary received an Associate Degree from Alfred State College. Mary started her career at Alfred State College Alfred campus in 1976 and retired 32 years later in 2008 as administrative assistant to the dean at the Wellsville campus. Mary would tell stories with fondness of her co-workers and friends at Alfred. But Mary’s greatest joy was working with the students. She loved and mentored several students over her years there. During her time at Alfred, Mary also became involved in the State union representing and advocating for her fellow employees. After her retirement in 2008, she stayed connected to Alfred by working closely with the Alfred Ed Foundation for years.
In addition to her Alfred career, she was a member of the American Legion and Elks Clubs; she was a lifelong communicant at Immaculate Conception Church and volunteered at ICS (including the infamous lunch lady which gave her lots of laughs).
Mary was a caregiver and her family and friends meant everything to her. She loved spending time with her goddaughters, Maureen Gardner Marsh, and Lauren Staba. The cookie baking marathons will never be the same. She boasted about her nieces and nephews and loved spending time with each of them. She loved spoiling them with treats they typically did not have, getting their nails done, playing games and just being with them. She wanted to make sure they were happy, and she was a great mentor. Mary always had solid advice, from skincare routines, tips on school, writing resumes, or great shopping deals – Mary had it!
Mary was the always the first person you would receive a card from on your special occasion. She loved travel and adventure. She hated COVID!! Her favorite things were playing cards (her partner Bob and her weekly group Jude, Maureen, and Dawn), her “Sistas” celebrations and travels, the Alfred culinary group get togethers, visiting her BFF Betsy, reading, she loved chocolate and her walks with Deb to ensure she got her steps in.
Mary’s life was disrupted a couple of months ago with an auto-immune illness that took her life quickly and we are heartbroken and blindsided. Mary has a wonderful group of friends and family that are going to miss her dearly.
Mary is survived by three sisters: Helen (Lorne) LeBere of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Frances Baham of Fairport, NY and Suzanne "Suzie" Fagan of Wellsville, NY, a brother David Fagan of Scio, NY, and a sister-in-law, Sandy Fagan of Concord, NC, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her beloved brother John Fagan, sister Brenda Fagan and brother-in-law Clifford “Cliff” Baham.
Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 8, 2021, from 4pm – 6pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home (34 Wet State Street) in Wellsville and 10am - 11am on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception Church (6 Maple Avenue) Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church on Tuesday following the calling hour. She will be buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery next to her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: The Hart Comfort House, 141 East State St. Wellsville, NY 14895; The SPCA of Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813; Breast Cancer Research; Auto-Immune Disease Research.
Quote:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal…. An Irish Proverb
Rest in Peace Mary. My condolences to Suzie, Dave and the Fagan family.
ReplyDeleteI was in shock when you left us, Mary. We never got that promised lunch done. I miss you, had Moreno at our Class Reunion this past weekend. It wasn't the same without you. RIP sweet Mary. I am sad that I will miss your celebration of life and your Mass.
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