Mary E. Knowles

Mary Knowles was born 1/29/1945 to Leonard and Hilda Canan(deceased). Predeceased by her brothers Thomas Gibbons, Michael Canan, and sister Patricia Willmes, Father and Mother-in-law Thomas and Catherine Knowles. Happily married to Thomas Knowles for what would have been 52 years in September. Proud mother to Deanne Sittler, Mark (Rebecca) Knowles, Kelly Knowles and predeceased by son Thomas Knowles.

Mary was so happy when she became a grandmother to her grandchildren Jeff (Melissa) Sittler, Jon (Lauren Graham) Sittler and Stephanie (Kevin Rickner) Sittler, Lauren Kearney, Logan(Stephanie)Kearney Cameron Knowles, and Zachary Knowles. She was blessed to have time to love on her first great-grandchild, Audriana.

She was proud to have married into her husband’s family from Syracuse, NY. She is predeceased by her brother-in-law William Lewis II and nephew William Lewis III. Survived by Sister in Law’s Patricia Lewis and Catherine Lewis. Mary had the greatest honor of being aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Mary was a well-loved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, and beloved friend to all who were so lucky to have been part of her life. She was so thankful to have the best neighbors and friends Ted and Lydia Roman, and to have been able to be part of their children, Luke and Nadine lives.

Mary’s heaven on earth was at her summer camp at Wilson’s Hyde Lake in Theresa, NY. Mary and Tom have been part of this community for 51 years. Summers were her favorite time, and this is where she was the most at peace. She loved sitting on her deck reading her books, handing out candy to all the kids who came to see “Magic Mary.”  She has been part of so many kids’ lives over the years and cherished the time watching families grow up and then bring their own families to the place she calls her “heaven on earth.”  Mary’s second family was a much-beloved part of her life and in the end, she took her last breath in the place she always wanted to be. Mary’s family and friends will be hosting a memorial service on August 6^th at Wilson’s Hyde Lake, more details will be made available in the coming weeks. The family is thankful to Chief Harold Faulk and Tim Ackley who treated her with dignity and respect in her last moments.

Mary was also a proud life member of the Greece Ridge Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed the all the extraordinary events, parties, and comradery she shared with all the people who have served in the fire department over the last 50 years.

Mary Knowles will forever be remembered for her loving nature, always being an optimist and a valued member of the Greece Central School District faculty. If you met Mary, you never forgot her huge smile, her snorting laugh, and her crazy outfits she wore to celebrate every holiday. We do not think there was one holiday that Mary did not have gear to commemorate. You could always see her in either a hat, headband with light up Christmas trees, Easter Bunny ears or 4th of July Flags, not to mention all her jewelry and matching shoes. Mary was the life of the party, always dancing and busting a move wherever music was playing and especially on Saturday evenings partaking in a solo polka in the living room while watching her beloved Lawrence Welk!

We ask that if you have any pictures or memories that showed her fun, loving personality, to please post it on social media in honor of her.

Friends may call Friday (July 1st) 4-7 PM at VAY-SCHLEICH and MEESON, 1075 Long Pond Road.  Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday (July 2nd) 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel.  Private Interment, Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes @ SAD.ORG in her memory.