Mary Schermerhorn

Mary E. Schermerhorn, 90, of Norwich, passed away peacefully at Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Residential Heath Care Facility with family by her side.

Born on February 21, 1926, in Oneida, NY, Mary was the daughter of George T. and Elva (Burtis) Wright.
On June 22, 1945, in Norwich Mary married her husband Starr Schermerhorn, who died on April 12, 1979.

She is survived by her children, Walter Schermerhorn and his wife, Barbara, of Norwich, and Mary Buss and her husband, Rick, of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren Amy Franklin and her husband, Mark, of Syracuse, NY, Matthew Schermerhorn and his wife, Kathy, of West Seneca, NY, Sara Rem and her husband, Jon, of Verona, WI, Eric Buss and his wife, Elizabeth, of Omaha, NE; and great-grandchildren Brandon and Blaine Franklin, Megan, Billy, and Connor Schermerhorn, Emma Grace and Andrew Rem, and Emmett and Ewan Buss, each of whom affectionately addressed Mary as “Dom.” Three of Mary’s siblings also survive, Ed Wright and his wife, Jean, of Columbia, SC, and Jim Wright and Beatrice George, each of Norwich. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her husband, Mary was predeceased by her five siblings.

After her family relocated to Norwich, Mary attended Norwich schools and then worked for many years at Norwich Pharmaceuticals as a technician. In her earlier years, she also very much enjoyed bowling, camping, and dancing with her husband. She was active in the Elks Club Auxiliary, and she and her husband often helped with many Elks Club events. Mary was always recognized by those in Norwich as the lady who drove “hot cars” around Norwich. She relocated to Raleigh, NC in 1991 with her daughter and her family, where she enjoyed taking care of her family and brightening the lives of many new friends. She returned to Norwich in 2013, and resided at Chenango Valley Home where she reconnected with old friends as well as new ones. Love and laughter followed her wherever she went. She was also a masterful baker of the most delicious biscuits and apple pie.

Above all, Mary adored her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also fond of spending time with her many friends. Mary had a smile that could light up a room, often expressed her love for her family and friends, and had a general zest for life.

Funeral services for Mary will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016, at the Wilson Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Olson officiating. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to the Chenango Valley Home Memorial Fund, 24 Canasawacta Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.