Obituary of Mary J. Sturdevant
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Olean – Mary J. Sturdevant "Loving Mother and Grandmother"
Mary J. Sturdevant of 402 Second Avenue, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Pines Health and Rehab, following an illness, accompanied by her loving daughter.
Mary was born on July 13, 1925 in Olean and was a daughter of Howard and Elizabeth Weed. On Sept. 2, 1950, she married her husband of 61 years, William H. Sturdevant, Jr., who predeceased her on June 20, 2012.
Mary was a 1943 graduate of Olean High School. She completed her nursing degree in 1947 from Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. Mary was prepared to be drafted into service for her country but was not. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the dispensary at Clark Brothers in the early 1950's. As a Registered Nurse on the Maternity Ward at St. Francis Hospital, Mary brought many lives into the world for 28 years. She was passionate about her maternity family at St. Francis and attended the 25 year reunion to celebrate. Mary worked at Olean General Hospital when St. Francis closed. She also worked private duty cases. Mary was praised by local residents for her nursing throughout her life. Her career spanned 40 years.
Mary and her husband, Bill, volunteered at the Olean General Hospital for over 20 years. They were perfectly suited for the "Cheer" wagon. She was a member of the Olean General Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #530 in Olean, Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians, and the Polaski Club. Mary loved her LAOH organization and was proud to be Irish. She won the Ancient Order of the Hibernians Woman of the Year award in 2008. Mary was a 92 year member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.
In Florida, where Mary and Bill wintered, on the Gulf of Mexico, they were known as "Gracie and George." They were very funny and entertaining and enjoyed swimming, singing, and boating with their friends and daughter, Mary Kay, residing in Madeira Beach for 25 years. During a Super Bowl party in Florida, at Far Horizons, an elderly army nurse was found floating face down in the pool. Mary gave her CPR, which paramedics said saved her life. She had not been breathing for over 20 minutes and through Mary's efforts managed to survive the incident with no brain damage. She was the real "hero" of the Super Bowl.
Mary was Vice President of the Sports tours, Bills Bus excursions, and tours to the theater and dinner. They enjoyed dining out, having fun, and adventurous travel. All of her family was musically gifted, while she was a great dancer. Mary loved to celebrate family, friends, and holidays. She was very social and will be missed greatly by many people. Mary gave a lot of love and received much love in return from many people.
Mary is survived by; a daughter, Mary Kay Sturdevant of Madeira Beach, FL; 2 grandchildren, Mark (Gail) Sturdevant of Austin, PA and Candace Sturdevant of Galeton, PA; and 1 great grandson, Andrew River Sturdevant.
Mary welcomes being greeted in heaven by her husband Bill, her son Peter, her mother "Bessie" Elizabeth, and her aunt Catherine "Kaki" Welch. She was also predeceased by; 2 brothers, Howard Weed, and Malcolm "Red"Weed, who was killed at the age of 18 during World War II, received the purple heart, and is buried in France.
Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State Street, Olean, on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 7:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018, beginning with a prayer service at 11:30 am at the funeral home, followed by a 12:00 noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. John's Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. David E. Tourville, will celebrate in the absence of Rev. F. Patrick Melfi, Pastor. Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Interfaith Caregivers, 212 Laurens Street , Olean , New York 14760 . Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com
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