Mary was raised in Wellsville, and graduated from the Immaculate Conception School, Wellsville High School in 1947, and Geneseo State Teachers College in 1951. She began her teaching career in Endicott, and moved on to Corning, Wellsville, and retired from Scio Central School. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, a member of the Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society, Co-founder, and long-time committee member of the Immaculate Conception Community Fun Fair. She was also a member of the Red Hat Club, Monday Club, and Garden Club. She delivered Meals on Wheels and enjoyed playing Bridge.
She is survived by four sons, William (Annie) Benz of Wellsville, Joseph (Roxanne) Benz of Durham, NC, Robert (Kimberly) Benz of Corning and Martin (Cristin) Benz of Springville, nine grandchildren, Haley, Gianna, Lilian, Terrence, Nathan, Emma, Alexander, and William Benz and Thomas Rogers, two sisters-in-law, Margaret Benz of Lancaster, and Shirley Benz of Hamburg, a brother-in-law, Richard Graffeo of West Seneca, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by two brothers, James (Patricia) Walsh and Robert (Jane) Walsh and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday, January 27, from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The Rosary will be recited Friday at 3:45 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 27, at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. The burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Sacred Heart Cemetery ℅ Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Ave., Wellsville, NY 14895, or Preborn! (www.preborn.com).
To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
Our sincere condolences sent to Mary's family and friends. We feel blessed to have known Mary and her family. She was a kind soul. She will be missed by many. Hugs and prayers sent your way.
ReplyDeleteSincere condolences go out to her family and friends! Anthony and I loved sitting near Mary and Clancy when they used to come to St Mary 's in Bolivar. They were so supportive of him (Down Syndrome) and bought him Gluten Free treats.
ReplyDeleteDawn Bygrave.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you , your beautiful wife and family.
May you find comfort in her precious memories
Mary was an extraordinary person. She had an impressive intellect, strong integrity, and a fabulous sense of humor. Mary was partnered with a husband that also shared these traits and most importantly, they passed them on to their 4 sons. These are some of the greatest characteristics a person can have, and Mary had all of them in spades (unless the suit was diamonds, then she had them all in diamonds, and the jack of hearts for good measure). I regret that I didn’t get to spend more time with Mary these last years. Her and Clancy were two of the most interesting and impressive people I have known, and my world is a little darker now that she is gone, but I do think heaven received a very bright light (not withstanding of course, the Bridge and Euchre players in heaven that just got some serious competition). In honor and gratitude to Mrs. Benz – Ron Good
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry for your loss Bill and family Mary Ellen Bonnar
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